Trees

We get the color word tan from the bark used in the tanning of leather.  Tannin is the chemical used in tanning.  Its astringency is what gives red wine it’s dry and puckery feeling.  Tannic acid is the type of tannin found in the bark of redwood trees which works as a strong defense against fire, insects, and fungi.  The word tannin comes from the Old High German word for oak or fir tree, like in the word Tannenbaum.  Human culture is entwined with trees.