The Fossil Tree
|
Because it closely resembles a tree which covered most of the earth in early times and was only known from fossil remains, the Dawn Redwood is affectionately known as the 'Fossil Tree'. Between 1826 and 1873 large fossil trees were discovered in the Quarry and in 1834 a large part of one of them was sent to the Royal Botanic Gardens and can be seen outside the palm house. Another was found in 1840 and was eventually removed to Rockville in 1854, a villa at Murrayfield, Edinburgh. In 1873 two further pieces of fossilised tree were discovered and parts were sent to the National Museums of Scotland and the British Museum. One of the fossil trees, the largest to be excavated in Scotland and one of the worlds ancient trees, is on display in the Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh in the Fossil Garden close to three living Dawn Redwoods and it is known as the 'Craigleith Tree'. A nice linkage regarding the trees between the Craigleith Quarry/China/Botanical Gardens Edinburgh is that some of the last stone to be removed from the Quarry was used in some of the pathways and waterfalls in the Chinese Garden which are well worth a visit (see the photos to the right). Letter from Ian Edwards (RBGE):Subject: Craigleith fossil, 03 June 2003 Dear Alan Ross 'Thank you for your email concerning the Craigleith Tree fossil. I agree that this is a very significant Scottish fossil and that it would be more appropriate for the RBGE to display and interpret our example in a more effective way. We have recently appointed a new officer to manage our interpretation programme and I am expecting that she will take on this challenge of signage for the Craigleith tree within the current working year. Meanwhile last time I was at the Sainsbury supermarket in Craigleith quarry I remember some rather good interpretation there!' Regards Ian Darwin Edwards Director of Public Programmes Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Further information on the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh can be found at The RBGE website. |
In the fossil garden looking towards three Dawn Redwoods in the centre of photo
The RBGE official name plate on the trees
Looking along the 'Craigleith Tree' fossil.
Looking towards the fossilised "Craigleith tree" from the Dawn Redwoods.
Craigleith stone incorporated into the pathway
Craigleith stone Craigleith stone in the pathway and waterfall. Photos by Alan Ross with permission from RBGE |
