6 February 2021 | New Scientist | 29Nature’s tree art
Photographer Derry Moroney
THIS stunning image of a tree-like
pattern in the water is a testament
to the beauty of nature’s own art –
and to the power of technology.
Using a drone, the arboreal
pattern was captured in Lake
Cakora in Yuraygir National Park
on the north coast of New South
Wales, Australia.
Derry Moroney, an amateur
photographer, discovered the
pattern in the lake while exploring
his local area of Brooms Head
and took this photo.
The lake is surrounded by lush
foliage, including tea trees, and
is situated inland from Brooms
Head. It connects to the open
ocean via the area’s main beach.
There are smaller rivers flowing
into it.
The image bears an uncanny
resemblance to a branching tree,
rather like a “tree of life”, because
of the lake’s drainage channels.
As water floods into these
channels after big storms,
tea tree oil from the local trees
seeps into the crevices and
colours the water.
Post-storm is the best time
to visit, says Moroney. “There’s
always so much excitement
wondering what I might get to
see,” he says. “Even without the
storms, I am so intrigued, that
I find myself down at the lake
almost every two weeks seeing
how much it has changed.” ❚
Gege Li