Wayward pine

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Wayward Pine is a term used in the Sword of Truth fantasy series by Terry Goodkind.

[edit] Description

Wayward Pines are large pine trees whose branches droop close to the ground while leaving a large hollow interior. They are scattered throughout the New World, particularly in Westland and the Midlands. They are known as a "friend to any traveler" as the inside hollow area is typically used by travelers as a small but cozy shelter for the night or to wait out a rain. Most wayward pines are large enough to almost allow a grown man (such as Richard) to stand inside. The branches are typically bare near the trunk, with needles on the ends, leaving the hollow interior. The tree is fire-resistant as long as one is careful, allowing the a traveler to build a small campfire inside. The smoke from the fire curls up the center, near the trunk. The needles typically grow so thick that even in a good rain it remains dry inside as well as provides concealment for its inhabitants.

These trees are also found, under different names and presumably as independent inventions, in some of Mercedes Lackey's works.