Letter to Arbutus
Posted by torbjornrive on April 29, 2008
Dear Arbutus,
A wise man once told me, ” If you are in coastal BC, the arbutus is truly the finest tree available. This is not a subjective opinion, but an objective truth. The arbutus is truly one of the world’s great trees.”. In fact, I have two friends from down south who have told me that you are the finest. You are Canada’s only native, broad-leafed evergreen. You lucky, lucky thing.
But wait, I hear that it’s possible we soon all won’t have you? I am truly sorry that some kind of defoliating fungus is stressing you out, especially in urban areas. You can do it…push on my friend!
Arbutus, I find it truly inspiring that you can:
1) Grow in every which direction in order to survive. Apparently, the Coast Salish First Nation honours you as the Tree of Knowledge because you can always find the sun.
2) Shed your bark in the summers to reveal a slick, fresh coat of red flesh.
3) Grow so near the sea, and love that salty air…
When I have the chance I will propagate you, you are a native to my island and I vow to plant you when and where appropriate. British Columbia is definitely a better place with you, so please don’t make like a tree and leave.
Sincerely yours,
Variable Interest
Reid said
Well said, and illustrated. Nothing shows the hardness of your wood like shedding your bark in the summer. Also, I might add (from wikipedia)
“Arbutus is a great fuelwood tree since it burns hot and long.”
torbjornrive said
burns hot and long, thanks for the addition…another cool factoid – they have the unmatched ability (apparently more controlled than other plants) to kill off certain unproductive parts of their branches to add energy to another, more productive area. Goes well with their light-seeking abilities I would assume.