Drinking

Most trees send their roots down just a few metres and make do with the rainwater that seeps into the soil. Take a look at the carpet-like roots here.

But some trees growing in dry conditions send their roots deep into the soil in search of water. Take the Tree of Ténéré, for instance. This fabled acacia grew in the harsh conditions of the Ténéré desert, where it roots stretched 30 metres down, all the way to the watertable. It was the world's most isolated tree, 400 km away from its closest neighbours. Unfortunately, it was no match for mankind. Standing all alone in the desert, it was struck by a drunken truck driver!