![]() Within forty years, that fungus destroyed four billion of the majestic trees. Then, around 1895, an invasive fungus traveled from overseas, one that attached itself to ornamental and blight-resistant Chinese Chestnut trees. Their wood-rot resistant and straight-grained was perfect for constructing homes, furniture, barns, and fences and incredibly easy to mill. They grew quickly and provided nourishing chestnuts for animals and people. The 100-foot tall known as The Redwood of the East was also named the Perfect Tree. Why Is the American Chestnut Tree Considered “Perfect?” Castanea dentataįor centuries, the royal American Chestnut trees grew tall and healthy while providing wood and food to millions of people and numerous bird and animal species. These trees won’t be planted in the wild until FDA regulations approve the measure (which was requested in 2020 and is due for decision this year). Now, a few Chestnuts have been tested with the gene-editing solution and are beginning to be reproduced. However, scientists have discovered and identified a gene, present in bananas and wheat, that produces an enzyme that neutralizes the deadly acid. In fact, most new shoots come from the old root systems.īasically, the fungus that attacks these trees gives off a chemical that kills the cells. The sole salvation for the tree is its extensive root system which is still present in most of Appalachia. The invasive fungus prevents the saplings (many of which still grow from the root systems of the old growth trees) from developing normally. Researchers use the term functionally extinct to describe the threat level of the American Chestnut tree because although there are a few million wild trees in existence, these trees rarely reach maturity. ![]() Why Is the American Chestnut “Functionally Extinct?” American Chestnut Blight This guide explores the awesome American Chestnut tree and how scientists are working to overcome the blight that kills these perfect North American trees before they reach maturity. However, there’s still more to do to understand and protect this natural resource from disappearing forever. The tree is being revived thanks to a concerted effort by organizations like the American Chestnut Foundation, the New York Restoration Project, and others. However, an invasive, Asian fungal blight was accidentally introduced into the forests in North America about 100 years ago (after importing other species), infecting and essentially destroying the population of this crucial part of the ecosystem.īut, there’s good news for the American Chestnut tree. Many rural communities depended on the tree’s nuts to feed their livestock. and was an important foundational component of the ecosystem.īut did you know that this “perfect” tree is sadly, ‘functionally extinct.’Ī reliable, late-flowering, and productive tree, it withstood the changing of seasons for hundreds of thousands of years, and was a crucial food source for many animal species, from birds to bears. The American Chestnut tree once had a prominent presence in the eastern U.S.
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