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Name: Liza P.
Status: student
Age: 12
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 2001-2002
Question:
What is the name of the tree that has a hollow trunk?

Replies:
Almost all "hardwood" - meaning deciduous, non-coniferous trees, will develop hollow trunks if they grow large enough. The inner part of larger trees is dead wood, only the outer portion is alive. Fungi eventually find a way in through wounds like broken branches and begin to rot away the dead heartwood. A tree may live many years after this begins until it becomes completely hollowed out inside, as long as the living sapwood remains strong.

J. Elliott


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