Aerial Wonders of the Tree Canopy: The Magical Sight of Nature Yielding to Nature

Text by: Olivia

In the forest, lush trees naturally form a canopy that blocks out the sunlight, and it’s common knowledge that branches and leaves intertwine. But how come the trees here seem meticulously designed, each owning its own territory in the sky, dividing the aerial space? Is this an artificial forest?

The twisted, bizarre shapes resemble scenes crafted by movie special effects—yet this phenomenon is entirely natural. Known as Crown Shyness, it's where trees appear to yield to one another, avoiding contact between their branches and leaves, creating a truly fantastical sensation.

Scientists first observed this phenomenon as early as the 1920s, yet to this day, the cause of Crown Shyness remains undiscovered. However, Crown Shyness can only be seen in dipterocarp trees—common in tropical regions—and is typically found in growing trees over 50 meters tall. These trees are commonly found in the tropical rainforests of Asia, and can also be spotted in areas such as Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula, or Borneo. So if you ever come across such a sight, be sure to take a moment to appreciate it—and capture it with your camera.

Image source:  http://mymodernmet.com/