Eucalyptus rainbow tree

This weeks blog isn't exactly related to vegetables or fruit directly. It comes more from a discussion that was brought up in class last week.
This specific tree is known as the Rainbow Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus deglupta) tree, and is the only species of Eucalyptus that grows in the northern hemisphere.  It may look as though someone (very tall) has painted this guy, but in fact the coloration is due to the growth and shedding of new bark in irregular time intervals. Unlike other trees, like oak, the rainbow tree doesn't have a thick layer of bark on the trunk; instead it is smooth and vibrantly alive. As it grows, it exfoliates new layers of thin layers of tissue. Once the layers come off, they reveal new and fresh green bark. As the newly exposed bark slowly ages, it changes from bright green to dark green then blue to purple, and finally pink to orange.

The trees can grow between five to eight feet/year; reaching heights of up to 70 m (230ft). 

Ironically enough, these trees are often cut down and used for paper, white paper.