Virtual Museum of Canada
Jardin botanique de Montréal 
Centre for Forest Research

Germination

From immense sequoias to majestic eucalyptus, as well as mythical African baobabs – all trees, from the most modest to the most imposing, have a humble beginning: as a seed that fits in the palm of our hand. It's a simple truth, but one which so captures our imagination that it has persisted over time and comes down to us through a 2,500-year old proverb from Lao Tse: "The tallest tree begins as a tiny seed".

According to seasons

According to seasons

In order to appreciate all facets of a tree, it must be observed in all seasons. In dormancy, in spring's new growth, or heavy with fruit: trees make seasons come alive. More

One day at a time

One day at a time

Do the giants of the plant kingdom react as the day progresses? Or does their long life expectancy disconnect them from such daily realities? More

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Drawing of a germinating conifer seed