Three-Generation Wood and Elephant Nose Wood Introduction
After the first generation of trees fell, the opening in the trunk allowed more light to penetrate. Additionally, lying on the ground, the misty forest climate enabled moss to grow on the tree's surface, helping to retain moisture. These factors made it easier for seeds that landed on the decaying cypress tree body to germinate, leading to the emergence of the second generation. The second generation grew atop the first generation, and after several hundred years, they, too, faced the fate of being cut down. The seeds of the third generation sprouted from the second-generation trees, creating a phenomenon of cyclical growth and decay that resulted in the current appearance of the forest. Next to the three generations of trees stands a stump known as the Elephant Trunk Wood. From the viewpoint above the trail, it resembles a resting elephant's trunk. In fact, such oddly-shaped stumps are scattered throughout the National Forest Recreation Area. Today, we describe the remains of these cypress trees by their appearance, but looking at the position of the stumps, it is evident that a century ago, Alishan was filled with vast ancient forests of giant cypress trees. The scene of these millennia-old cypress trees growing densely together was truly magnificent!
