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All Panama Anton Valley Valley of Square Trees
AO Edited

Valley of Square Trees

Right angles in the forests of Panama.

Anton Valley, Panama

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Alex Timian
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(Flickr/Erik B)   http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikb/5565639...
September 2021   ccesare / Atlas Obscura User
September 2021/Bridge with moss on Square Tree hike   ccesare / Atlas Obscura User
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Suspension Bridge on Square Tree Hike   ccesare / Atlas Obscura User
Suspension Bridge on Square Tree Hike   ccesare / Atlas Obscura User
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Entrance to trail   ccesare / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Sitting on the second largest inhabited dormant volcano in the world, the Valley of Square Trees is a dangerous choice for a settlement. Nonetheless people have lived in the area for centuries, even with the possible threat of eruption. But there is something else unusual happening in el Valle.

Unique in the entire world to this Panamanian crater, a group of cottonwood trees have grown with square trunks. With hard right angles, rarely seen in nature, the trees have baffled visitors. Even the "rings," of the interior tree grow in a square shape and not the typical circle, making the trees truly stick out in nature's typical curvilinear palette.

Researchers at the University of Florida attempted to grow the trees to see if they would retain their square shapes. From their research, it became evident that the trees are shaped by the local conditions, and can exist only in the Valley of Square Trees. Adventurers hiking near the trees should also take note of the local and endangered brightly-colored yellow frogs. 

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Forests Trees Shaped Forests Plants Flora Ecosystems

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Behind the Hotel Campestre and well-marked by signs.

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atimian

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SkareMedia, Molly McBride Jacobson, ccesare

  • SkareMedia
  • Molly McBride Jacobson
  • ccesare

Published

October 18, 2011

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  • http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread464445/pg1
  • http://www.onlineadventure.com/videos/Square-Trees
Valley of Square Trees
India Dormida
Anton Valley
Panama
8.613723, -80.148626
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