A beautiful acacia tree, estimated to be around 300 years
old and known as the most isolated tree on earth that had grown in the harsh
and unforgiving Sahara desert. It sounds like an enduring monument to the
resiliency of life….right?
Well….that is until alcohol got involved.
The Tree of Ténéré was the sole tree for over 400 kilometres
(250 miles for those who like to make it difficult), and located in the Sahara
Desert, in northeast African country of Niger (not to be confused with Nigeria).
It was the last of a group of trees that grew in the desert when it was a less
parched environment.
The tree was located
near a 40 metre deep water source, and this was how the tree managed to survive
in such a harsh climate. This was discovered when a well was dug in 1938 by a
group of European military troops and the tree roots were found to be reaching
the water table, 33 metres below the surface of the ground, serving to nourish
the 3 metre tall tree.
Now this is where the devils of alcohol and man come to
play.
This Pixar short movie in the making was cut short in 1973
when a Libyan truck driver collided with the tree and snapped its trunk.
Yes you read that right.
He managed to hit the only tree for 400 kilometres.
That’s one for the blooper reel.
Tequila was probably involved.
(it always is)
(it always is)
The truck driver was allegedly drunk at the time of the
accident and has remained unidentified.
The end of this beautiful story of nature isn’t all doom and
gloom though, as the skeleton of the tree was relocated to the National Museum
in Niger, and displayed in a way one may a holy relic. This alone shows the reverent
nature the people of the region held for the tree and the importance of plants as
landmarks in our collective cultural history.
The location where the tree once stood is now occupied by a
metal sculpture to mark the spot. It stands to represent the enduring legacy
this tree will have in the backdrop of the sandy desert.
Honorary mention to the new title holder of the loneliest tree in the world, a Sitka spruce in New Zealand.
Stand tall friend, and be wary of any drunken truck drivers.
