While climbing en route to one of Etna's craters, we came across many birch trees. This is not just any birch, but an "Etna birch" (Betula aetnensis). This species of birch has adapted to grow on Etna's rich volcanic soil. Whereas birches in northern Europe grow straight up and have a somewhat more silvery trunk, the Etna birch grows in a shrub shape and has a white trunk. This species has made these adaptations to cope with the extreme heat in summer (up to towards 50 degrees Celsius!). Due to climate change, birch trees will eventually disappear forever, and luckily I was able to take this photo! The birch curled its trunks around each other, giving a beautiful frame around the landscape.
Pleased to meet you! My name is Sjoukje Bouman (1990) and since childhood I have been fascinated by photography. Capturing the beauty of life and the world is my greatest passion! After all, a picture says more than a thousand words. Feel free to take a look in my.. Read more…