It is indeed a fascinating tree...very unusual and one I've never seen before...it looks like it is shedding its' skin...great find and well detailed closeup SAS.
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It makes a lovely picture - well spotted and well taken Sandi I have a very old fuchsia bush with similar peeling bark - never thought of photographing it but you have given me the idea :)
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Usually, trees such as this when "shedding" their bark, tend to rely on fire to help them survive. Much of our long leaf pine trees need fire to help the pine cones open.