This awe-inspiring “Tree of Life” looks like the creation of an artist… but actually it’s all Mother Nature’s handiwork!
The world has amateur photographer Derry Moroney to thank for the discovery. He first noticed the phenomenon last July. Moroney was roaming in the vicinity of Cakora Lake, Brooms Head New South Wales when his drone picked up something incredible from the air.
“If you were to look at the image you wouldn’t think it was real at first” Moroney told ABC News. The surface of the water plays host to a dark pattern, spreading out in an unmistakably tree like shape.
The water mass is quite literally branching out. But why? There’s a surprising answer… trees! Yes, the image of a tree owes its existence to the real deal.
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Near the lake are tea trees, which contain lots of oil. Bring stormy weather into the mix and the results are eye opening.
According to The Independent, whipped up waters “caused the oil to flood into the in lake’s drainage channels”. The wet stuff “drained away leaving behind the heavier oil in the lake’s crevices.”
Moroney stumbled upon what more seasoned picture makers only dream of. “I’ve been totally speechless to tell you the truth” he says.
Though he certainly hasn’t been quiet on the matter. The name Tree of Life comes from himself. Plus he enthusiastically documents its progress on social media, returning every couple of weeks to see what’s transpired.
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One of the most surprising things about the sight is how it changes depending on the conditions. The Guardian and other outlets have published Moroney’s striking photos. They’re also available on Moroney’s Instagram and Facebook feeds.
When he initially saw the Tree, it had a dark, coffee like appearance. However, the branches can also be turquoise, owing to changes in the water. On Instagram, Moroney writes about a “stunning golden earth tone” among other observations.
At times the Tree is given groovy outlines by the oily slick. It’s a constantly evolving piece of living art.
Moroney’s pages receive thousands of shares. And he’s getting attention around the world.
Over in the English counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, veteran photographer Mike Page takes pictures of his own Tree of Life. Here mudflats are carved by tidal forces, which fill with sediment.
The branch-like channels have become part of Page’s impressive portfolio. And like Moroney’s spectacle in Brooms Head, the view alters on different days.
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Page mentions a single occasion when a separate, smaller Tree was created, accompanied by a warm yellow color. “You get that one moment in time and you’ll never repeat it” Page says, quoted by BBC News. “I love being able to see those things and share them with people.”
The green and blue trees on Page’s patch are said to be more defined than those in Australia. In good-natured spirit, the English snapper thinks his Trees are better. Whether Moroney has anything to say about that remains to be seen!
Both men have beautiful backdrops to play with. Cakora Lake is situated in the Yuraygir national park. Its website mentions the various activities on offer for visitors, though these are restricted at present due to the pandemic.
Booking is required for those looking to pitch up a tent. Meanwhile, aside from the artistic efforts of tea trees, whale watching is part of the Yuraygir experience.
The Guardian reports that Moroney photographs landscapes, animals and insects in this extraordinary location. He’s been looking at life through a lens for the past 3 years.
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It goes to show that nature has some spectacular sights for everyone, be they an amateur or professional photographer. The Tree of Life nourishes an interest in the environment. An especially important factor during turbulent times for humanity…