The photo, taken on 19 April 2009, shows four 10-meter maple trees in growing from a single root. The trees are in Xiuwen County in Guizhou Province. Their common root grew horizontally, perpendicular to the tree trunks. Local people often sit in the shade of the tall, leafy trees, and one old man said the trees are over 100 years old. [Xinhua photo]

Children of Xiuwen County in Guizhou Province play in the shade of four 10-meter-high maple trees, on 19 April 2009. The trees all grew from a single, horizontal root. [Xinhua photo]