Growing to a mere 1-6cm in height, the dwarf willow (Salix herbacea) is arguably the world’s tiniest tree. Well adapted to live in arctic and subarctic environments, this tiny wooden sprout has developed the key strategy to surviving the cold; staying really small. In these arctic places, the Dwarf Willow stays close to the ground to avoid the brunt of the cold winds, while growing broad 0.3–2cm leaves that allow it to maximise the amount of sunshine it can catch.
Despite lacking a traditional tree-like appearance, the dwarf willow does produce a single woody stem that bears lateral branches, leading some to classify it as a tree. Although the jury is still out for others, as it does not grow to the considerable height of the more commonly known trees.
With more and more people living in smaller spaces in increasingly busy cities, the dwarf willow takes up the smallest of spaces in any household. Measuring only 6 x 2cm at its full height and breadth, you could start your own window sill Christmas forest!
The male plants produce a yellow fruit, while the female ones are red, so you can create your own colour combinations to express your creativity.
Credit : BBC Earth
Picture Credit : Google
