In the mid 1900s, the most isolated tree in the world was the Tree of Ténéré, the only tree in the Niger desert for a 250 mile radius. It was the last standing member of a small group of acacias, believed to be either Acacia raddiana or Acacia tortilis. The Tree of Ténéré survived the harsh environment by drawing water from a source 115 feet underground, which was discovered by digging a well nearby. In 1973, a drunk driver hit and killed the tree. The remnants were moved to the Niger National Museum shortly thereafter. Now, only a metal monument, made of recycled pipes, fuel barrels and auto parts, marks its place.

--Katie Aracena

http://www.the153club.org/tenere.html

http://www.britannica.com/place/Tenere

https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Acacia_tortilis.html