Strange tree known as king of wood, harder than steel, bulletproof

Even when shot with a bullet, the bullet hitting the tree only leaves a faint mark that cannot be shaken .

In the natural world, many miracles can happen that make people feel amazed. The tree below is an example of such. The tree we are talking about is called iron birch or black birch (Betula schmidtii) , it is also known as "king of wood" - king of woods.

Iron birch is widely grown in Primorsky Krai, Russia. Iron birch is also known as Schimdt birch . It is named after the Russian scientist who discovered this tree in his honor.

Black birch is a tree known as the "king of trees". (Photo: Pixabay).

Black birch is a precious wood species , mature trees have a diameter of 0.7m, 20m high. The outer bark of the tree trunk is bright red or black with white spots. The tree has short leaves with oval shape. Black birch often grows on mountains over 700 meters above sea level. Iron birch has an average life span of 300 - 350 years. Black birch likes light, has good cold and drought resistance. Black birch is found on Honshu island of Japan, northern Korea, Russia, China.

The highlight of black birch is that its wood is the hardest in the world, 4 times harder than acacia wood, 2 times harder than steel. If you use something to knock on the tree trunk, the tree trunk will make a "dang dang" sound, as if knocking on metal. In addition, black birch wood will not be damaged if you use a knife to cut the tree trunk. In fact, black birch can resist bullets , even when shot with a bullet, the bullet touching the tree will only leave a faint mark, cannot be shaken. Moreover, even if the black birch trunk is submerged in water, it is still very dry, can be dry for a long time because water cannot penetrate inside. So why is this wood so hard?

In fact, the reason is due to the unique growth mechanism of the iron birch. According to experts, the iron birch has a special self-growing organ that can continuously absorb nutrients, including nutrients, carbon dioxide and water. Through complex biochemical reactions, these substances gradually condense and compress into wood fibers in the trunk and branches. Over time, these accumulations make the wood of the iron birch extremely hard.

In addition, the growing environment of the iron birch tree also plays an important role in helping it become the 'king of trees' . Accordingly, the iron birch tree often grows in temperate regions with long winters and poor soil. To survive in such an environment, this tree must adapt and accumulate the nutrients it has. This adaptation process makes the wood fibers of the iron birch extremely tight and strong.

Scientific research shows that iron birch wood fibers are rich in lignin and cellulose. These components form a structure similar to composite materials in high pressure environments, which also allows it to have such high stiffness.

Black birch trees can withstand bullets. (Photo: Pixabay).

According to scientists, the special ability of black birch lies in the bark. The bark is not elastic, so it will create a large rebound force that prevents the bark from deforming when impacted strongly. Black birch wood is so hard because the density of iron in the wood molecules is extremely high . Because black birch has many advantages, many people hunt it and push this tree to the brink of extinction.

Because black birch wood is very hard, it is often used to produce aviation accessories, car accessories, cruisers, pipes, etc. It is also used to replace steel and is not cheap. Previously, black birch was used to make balls, bearings, and was used on high-speed trains to prevent water absorption and rust, which also achieved very good results.

Black birch is very hard and is often used to make aviation accessories. (Photo: Pixabay).

Black birch is not only a rare hardwood, it is also a valuable herb. The leaves and stems after being prepared in liquid form can treat edema, swelling, gout, edema, rheumatism. The tree can be used as an exercise to treat eczema, wounds, hair loss, acne, etc.

Currently, black birch is overexploited and has a slow growth rate, so the number of this tree is becoming increasingly scarce and it is listed as an endangered species, a plant species that needs to be protected.