by Lucy Mar 15,2025
Reddit user Independent-Design17 proposed an intriguing 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, fans have unearthed deeper parallels. In Elden Ring, the Erdtree guides the souls of the deceased, reflected by the catacombs at its base. Similarly, Nuytsia holds significant spiritual meaning in Australian Aboriginal culture, with each flowering branch representing a departed soul, and its vibrant color linked to the sunset, the supposed destination of spirits.

Further strengthening this connection is Nuytsia's semi-parasitic nature; it draws nutrients from neighboring plants. This mirrors a popular fan theory suggesting the Erdtree parasitically feeds on the roots of an ancient Great Tree, the original source of life. However, it's now understood that references to a "Great Tree" in item descriptions are a translation error, referring instead to the Erdtree's own "Great Roots."
Whether FromSoftware intentionally drew inspiration from Nuytsia floribunda remains a mystery, known only to the developers.