Thursday Trivia

4/27/06, 4:21 AM #1

Dan Donaldson
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Thursday Trivia

At one time, this tree was described from fossils and thought to be extinct. Then, a small stand of trees was found that turned out to be living versions of the fossils. It is the only living species of its genus, but several fossil species are known.

It has needles, but is deciduous. The lower trunk tends to become buttressed as the tree gets older. (hmmmmmm, I wonder if I am related. My middle trunk is becoming buttressed as I get older ;-)

At any rate, what tree is it?

- - -

I have been woodworking for about 25 years now, and would consider myself an enthusiastic amateur. My claim to fame (or infamy) has always been fixing stuff. I spent time in the Air Force in the 60's then went to work as an electronic technician for civil service. I finally got my EE, and being fed up with the civil service nonsense, took a job with Ford Motor Company until I went with the split to Visteon last year. I got interested in music and started playing in a bluegrass band. I wanted a new guitar, and that kind of led me into woodworking. I bought some books, a few tools, and built a guitar. Luckily, I didn't know any better than to try that as a first ever project. I still play it when I get a chance, so it must not be too bad if it can live for over 20 years. After a stint in Mexico for my job, I moved into a new house and built a small shop. Since then I have been collecting tools and skills, probably more of the former than the latter ;-). Finding this site has done more for my skills and enjoyment than anything else. I have learned a lot and really enjoy the friendships that I have made here. I have been married to LOML (Lori) for 32 years now and have 6 kids. When they are all gone, I want to get a 1 bedroom house (so there is not room for them to move back in) and at least a 6 car heated/air conditioned garage for a shop. (Dream on...)

Re: Thursday Trivia

4/27/06, 4:55 AM #2

D.B.
Guest

Re: Thursday Trivia

That sounds like a tree I have in the backyard. It is always losing its needles. If it does not become green soon I will have to pull it out.

Re: Thursday Trivia

4/27/06, 1:10 PM #3

Jim Shaver Oakville, Ont.
Guest

Re: Thursday Trivia

Hmmmmmm........this is a good one...hmmmmmmmmmmmm

Take care,

Jim

Re: Thursday Trivia

4/27/06, 1:34 PM #4

Thomas Skaggs
Guest

Re: Thursday Trivia

I certainly could not get one home in an MG...unless it was a sapling. ;-)

Tommy

Re: Thursday Trivia

4/27/06, 2:03 PM #5

Dale Stansbery
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Registered: 2/7/03

Re: Thursday Trivia

It just dawned on me that you're asking about a tree that I planted over thirty years ago in my back yard in central Ohio. It's now about 4' diameter at the base, but quickly tapers to probably 2' dbh. I'm not a carver, but I played around with a branch making a walking stick, and I believe you carvers out there wood love this wood. It is fine grained,easily carved, and takes detail extremely well.

Re: Thursday Trivia

4/27/06, 2:44 PM #6

Dale Lenz
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Re: Thursday Trivia

You talking about the stand of trees Down Under?

Thanks for the question....Dale

Re: Thursday Trivia

4/27/06, 4:06 PM #7

Gary Camp (Bend, Or.)
Guest

If it is what I thinking...

Dave Smith gave me a piece a few years ago. It'll dawn on me sooner or later where we had that get together.

glc

Re: Thursday Trivia

4/27/06, 5:37 PM #8

Dan Donaldson
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Registered: 9/17/01

not down under.

A couple of the answers know what it is.

- - -

I have been woodworking for about 25 years now, and would consider myself an enthusiastic amateur. My claim to fame (or infamy) has always been fixing stuff. I spent time in the Air Force in the 60's then went to work as an electronic technician for civil service. I finally got my EE, and being fed up with the civil service nonsense, took a job with Ford Motor Company until I went with the split to Visteon last year. I got interested in music and started playing in a bluegrass band. I wanted a new guitar, and that kind of led me into woodworking. I bought some books, a few tools, and built a guitar. Luckily, I didn't know any better than to try that as a first ever project. I still play it when I get a chance, so it must not be too bad if it can live for over 20 years. After a stint in Mexico for my job, I moved into a new house and built a small shop. Since then I have been collecting tools and skills, probably more of the former than the latter ;-). Finding this site has done more for my skills and enjoyment than anything else. I have learned a lot and really enjoy the friendships that I have made here. I have been married to LOML (Lori) for 32 years now and have 6 kids. When they are all gone, I want to get a 1 bedroom house (so there is not room for them to move back in) and at least a 6 car heated/air conditioned garage for a shop. (Dream on...)

Re: Thursday Trivia

4/27/06, 6:22 PM #9

Dan Donaldson
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Offline
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Registered: 9/17/01

The answer *LINK*

As several have noted, the answer is the Dawn redwood or Metasequoia glyptostroboides

Here is a bit more info about it and a link.

* leaves are deciduous

* opposite arrangement on branchlets

* 0.5" long, linear, flat leaves

* stems are either persistent or deciduous

* deciduous stems are green and are held on brown, persistent stems

* deciduous stems, have needles, but do not have buds

* persistent stems hold deciduous stems, some needles and oppositely-arranged buds

* deciduous stems drop in the fall with the needles

* foliage is medium to bright green

Dawn Redwood

- - -

I have been woodworking for about 25 years now, and would consider myself an enthusiastic amateur. My claim to fame (or infamy) has always been fixing stuff. I spent time in the Air Force in the 60's then went to work as an electronic technician for civil service. I finally got my EE, and being fed up with the civil service nonsense, took a job with Ford Motor Company until I went with the split to Visteon last year. I got interested in music and started playing in a bluegrass band. I wanted a new guitar, and that kind of led me into woodworking. I bought some books, a few tools, and built a guitar. Luckily, I didn't know any better than to try that as a first ever project. I still play it when I get a chance, so it must not be too bad if it can live for over 20 years. After a stint in Mexico for my job, I moved into a new house and built a small shop. Since then I have been collecting tools and skills, probably more of the former than the latter ;-). Finding this site has done more for my skills and enjoyment than anything else. I have learned a lot and really enjoy the friendships that I have made here. I have been married to LOML (Lori) for 32 years now and have 6 kids. When they are all gone, I want to get a 1 bedroom house (so there is not room for them to move back in) and at least a 6 car heated/air conditioned garage for a shop. (Dream on...)

Thursday Trivia

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