10+ Awesome PIctures of 'Crown Shyness', A Natural Phenomenon Within Trees

Nature can do some amazing things...

Sarah

• Published in Interesting
• September 11, 2017

Ever looked up while out on a bush walk, only to be surprised by what you see? 

In certain forests and conditions, a phenomenon where the tree tops of trees don't touch each other. First observed in the 1920s, there are many hypotheses as to why this happens, including the idea that it stops the spread of harmful insects, the fact that it may protect the trees from damaging one another, or the fact that optimizes light exposure for photosynthesis. No one knows for sure, but take a look through this gallery and prepare to be amazed!

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There are many places you can go to see this amazing feat of nature.

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You're more likely going to see it if you go to locations with the tree species that display this trait. 

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Scientists have identified which species these are.

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Some species of eucalypt show this phenomenon.

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Species of Dryobalanops, including Dryobalanops lanceolata and Dryobalanops aromatica (kapur) is a species that displays this behaviour.

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Didymopanax pittieri and Clusia alata as well.Pinus contorta or lodgepole pine and Avicennia germinans or black mangrove also are a species.

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You're more likely to see this happening in places like Malaysia, where these species are more common. 

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You have to have the right climate for these types of forests.

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You have to have a large empty canopy for the trees to grow without any other trees obscuring your view.

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Some scientists think that it's the wind that causes the trees to touch and therefore their leaves degrade and cannot touch.

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If you want to get a good Instagram of it, you'll have to choose a sunny day for full effect!

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Neighbor detection isn't a fair occurrence in plant species, so it's not surprising to see this happening in these trees.

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The more complex the crown shyness, the more impressive it looks.

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Time to book a plane ticket to Malaysia, I think!

Mother nature can do some pretty terrific things, but sometimes mother nature can do things which are completely terrifying. Here are some examples of creepy things nature itself created.

Sarah