What is a Tree?

A tree consists of a root, trunk, leaf, flower, fruit, and seed. Each one of these components has a specific function. The root is responsible for fixing the plant in the soil and absorbing nutrients and water from the soil. The trunk is the structure that circulates sap and supports the branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits. In the leaves, a process known as photosynthesis occurs. When the leaves are exposed to water and light, the tree consumes carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air and converts it to things (cellulose, lignin, etc.) that form the wood of the trunk, branches, and roots (Figure 1).

The chemical makeup of wood is about 50% carbon, taken from the carbon dioxide in the air. In converting carbon dioxide, the leaves release oxygen (O₂) into the air. We humans breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Trees "inhale" carbon dioxide and "exhale" oxygen. The flower is a modified leaf that hosts the reproductive part of the tree. Inside the flower, the formation of fruits and seeds occurs. During times of climatic changes, trees play a strategic role in maintaining balance. By their nature, trees are involved in reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide, which is mostly responsible for global warming (the greenhouse effect).

Also, trees protect water resources and help to combat the drying of the land (desertification). They are also part of a complex ecosystem that shelters and feeds insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals — as well as several species of plants (orchids, lianas, bromeliads and others).

It has only been in recent times that the true importance of trees for the balance of nature was understood. But today, thanks to progress in science and ecological awareness, our vision has changed. As a society, we no longer accept the continued cutting of native forests. We know that this creates environmental problems and can compromise our very survival on the planet.

With this knowledge, the sustainable planting and responsible harvesting of new forests has come to represent a double benefit for society: it helps to preserve the environmental balance, and contributes to the generation of wealth.

From a big picture perspective, carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is captured by the planted trees and converted into high-value wood and oxygen. The high-value wood provides essential products for society (paper for books, personal hygiene, furniture, medicinal and aromatic essences, wood for generation of energy, construction wood, etc.).

From the eucalyptus tree, every part is used. The pulp in the trunk is used for paper production, synthetic fabrics and medication capsules. The branches and leaves remain in the field; they serve as natural fertilizers and also protect the soil. The wood is also used as firewood and for charcoal production, to manufacture furniture, for building houses, as fence posts and for construction finishing purposes. Furthermore, essential oils used in cleaning products, foodstuffs, perfumes and medicines are produced from eucalyptus trees. And there is also the production of honey, widely appreciatedproduced by bees from the pollen of its flowers.