Reddit user Independent-Design17 proposed a fascinating connection between Elden Ring's Erdtree and the Australian Christmas tree, Nuytsia floribunda. Superficial similarities exist, particularly between the game's smaller Erdtrees and Nuytsia. However, deeper thematic parallels have also been noted by fans.
In Elden Ring lore, the Erdtree guides the souls of the deceased, mirroring the Aboriginal Australian belief that Nuytsia is a "spirit tree." The tree's vibrant blossoms represent the souls of the departed, their bright colors echoing the sunset, the perceived destination of spirits. The game's catacombs at the Erdtree's base further reinforce this connection.
Adding another layer to the comparison, Nuytsia floribunda is a hemiparasite, drawing nutrients from neighboring plants. This resonates with fan theories suggesting the Erdtree is parasitic, having potentially overtaken the roots of a primordial Great Tree – a notion complicated by the revelation that references to a "Great Tree" in-game are likely mistranslations, referring instead to the Erdtree's own extensive root system.
Ultimately, whether these striking parallels between the Erdtree and Nuytsia floribunda are intentional design choices or coincidental remains a mystery known only to FromSoftware.
