Schotia brachypetala patch of bark

This patch of old trunk shows how the ageing process gradually transforms the bark, thickening and then cracking on lower stems of mature Schotia brachypetala trees over the years. First knobbly and longitudinally ridged from below the surface events that still allow retained unity, before powerful expansion causes cracking into separate pieces, as tree size becomes significant.

No cream is ever applied here, rainwater and dust serving just fine. Check in the mirror and the pleasant surprise of skin younger than you thought will make the day (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Schmidt, et al, 2002; Pooley, 1993; iNaturalist).