The marri tree (Corymbia calophylla) grows in Western Australia where water is a precious commodity. Its sap has antiseptic properties, making it really valuable. Aboriginal cultures in the area have been caring for these trees for thousands of years, and developed a method for turning them into bowls to hold scarce rainwater! In the Menang language, the tree is called Gnaama Boorna, which means water tree.
They say the best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago, but a marri tree requires even more patience. Many generations of the Menang people cut the central branch off a young tree, then shape the peripheral branches up around it over years. By the time a tree is 150 years old, the central pruning spot would become a well to hold water. They also protect these precious trees, by cleaning brush from around them so they won't be destroyed by fire. Some living trees are 400 years old, and still collecting water when it's available. Read about the significance of the marri tree at ABC. -via Metafilter
(Image credit: David McCorquodale, CC BY 4.0)