Baringwood. Tree. A squat, rounded trunk and a thick, fleshy bark. The leaves are jagged and large bluegreen pods. The bark is prickly with needles, like balsam, and smells similar. Leaf pods die and fall with each season, but needles stay year round. Since they are short, they cannot compe3te in forests with other, taller trees cutting off sunlight. Grow in sporadic bursts away from other trees, usually in damp, temperate, and hilly areas. This tree has a tendency to warp and twist as it grows its branches, creating unique hollows in the trunk near the branches. This attracts rodents and birds who use these openings as nesting areas. The wood is susceptible to parasites and worms. The fleshy bark acts as a powerful defense, but long-beaked birds and burrowing rodents create weaknesses in the defense. The wood is not valued for building, because it is very knotty, but is highly valued for its scent.