A Reddit user going by Independent-Design17 proposed an intriguing connection between Elden Ring's Erd Tree and Australia's Nuytsia floribunda Christmas tree.
At first glance, the resemblance appears most striking with the smaller Erd Trees scattered throughout the game world. However, observant players have uncovered more profound thematic links. In Elden Ring's lore, the Erd Tree serves as a beacon guiding departed souls - hence the burial catacombs nestled at its base. This mirrors Aboriginal Australian beliefs surrounding Nuytsia, revered as a spiritual plant. Its flowering limbs represent ancestral spirits, while the vibrant blossoms evoke sunset hues symbolizing the journey to the afterlife.
The parallels extend to biological characteristics as well. Nuytsia survives as a semi-parasitic species, drawing sustenance from surrounding vegetation. This feeding mechanism echoes fan theories suggesting the Erd Tree parasitized remnants of an ancient life-source referred to colloquially as the "Great Tree." Interestingly, this interpretation stems from a translation discrepancy - the original Japanese text actually references the Erd Tree's own "Great Roots" rather than a separate entity.
Whether FromSoftware intentionally modeled aspects of their cosmic arboreal wonder after Australia's remarkable Christmas tree remains one of the studio's closely guarded secrets.
