Reddit user Independent-Design17 proposed a fascinating connection between Elden Ring's Erdtree and the Australian Christmas tree, Nuytsia floribunda. Superficial similarities are undeniable, particularly when comparing the smaller Erdtrees in the game. However, the parallels run deeper.
Elden Ring lore depicts the Erdtree as a guiding force for the souls of the departed, reflected by the game's catacombs at its base. Intriguingly, Nuytsia floribunda holds a similar spiritual significance in Aboriginal Australian culture. Each flowering branch is believed to represent a deceased soul, and its vibrant colors are linked to the sunset – the perceived destination of spirits.
Further strengthening this connection is the semi-parasitic nature of Nuytsia floribunda, which draws sustenance from neighboring plants. This resonates with fan theories positing the Erdtree as a parasitic entity, having allegedly usurped the life force of an ancient Great Tree. However, it's now understood that references to a "Great Tree" in game descriptions were mistranslations, referring instead to the Erdtree's own extensive root system.
Whether FromSoftware intentionally drew inspiration from Nuytsia floribunda remains a mystery, known only to the developers themselves.