Beringian Willow

The Beringian willow is a type of willow trees, grown for its ornamental value throughout the year. The tree is very popular in Beringion, where it has acquired symbolic and cultural associations, and nearby lands in temp-erate Gondala.

Description
The Beringian willow is a deciduous tree of medium size, growing to a maximum height of 15 - 20 meters. It is a fast-growing and relatively short-lived tree, rarely exceeding 60 years of life. Young branches are very supple and very pliable, and droops downward, giving the tree the same general crown shape as that of a weeping willow.

The Beringian willow has a striking and highly ornamental appearance throughout the year. In winter, the young branches of the previous season are bright yellow. After very dry and hot summers, the branches may be tinted orange instead.

In spring, the new budding leaves are light pink, giving the tree the appearance of being in bloom, similar to a cherry tree or the showier varieties of the mirn tree. As the leaves mature, they slowly fade first to silvery white, then to the glossy green of adult leaves. In summer, contrast is provided by the light grey, matted undersides of the leaves.

In autumn, the foliage turns from green to fiery oranges with both lighter yellow and darker red accents.

Unlike other willows, the tree does not produce any catkins, neither male nor female, and, as a consequence, can not reproduce sexually. All specimens are thus genetically identical clones of the first individual tree.

History
The Beringian willow is found only in cultivation, where it is propagated vegetatively through cutting and layering. The first known specimen of the tree was reportedly found by Queirte ne Iountais, a Beringian horticulturist in 2745 4A, and gifted to the recently created Beringian council. The tree was planted in front of the parliamentary palace and later propagated.

For several decades, the propagation of the tree was illegal except for by the palace gardeners, and Beringian willow saplings where highly coveted. They served as status symbols and became closely associated with Beringian cultural and ethnic identities. As the restrictions became more relaxed, the tree became a staple in public and private gardens and parks throughout the country.

A Beringian willow tree is featured on the coat of arms of the Iountais family, as well as the native city of Queirte, Gaideut.