I think with living natural things like trees they reflect the enviroment they grew, in in their character & shapes they make.
In a hot often arid enviroment as yours life is a struggle & the contorted shapes reflect that.
A willow growing next to a stream grows straight & tall.
I agree a very special tree & a well executed photograph.
:o)
It's little, but I suspect quite old. The orange glow comes from fallen leaves in a concave granite wash which are illuminated around 4 pm every winter solstice for a few days before and after. And that's it. The show is over for the rest of the year. It is a magical site.