Twisted trees are cool to see while on the hiking trail. What causes these trees to spiral? Referred to as SPIRAL GRAIN, there is no definitive explanation. It is speculated to be caused by various things. A tree growing in a lop-sided way, which can cause nutrient deficiencies in the roots. This could be from growing out of a rock or leaning onto another tree by way of gravity. Stress from wind storms or droughts can be a factor. Trees with asymmetrical crowns in very wind exposed sights may cause the tree to twist. Regardless, they are interesting to see and found in many areas where trees are present.
NOTES-IN-NATURE.ORG 
I love how unusual trees twisting is. Have you visited Cambodia? The tree growth at Angkor are mind-blowing!
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I have not visited, but I will look for it if I go there someday!
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One of the things I love about living here in the high desert is that I am living among junipers whose tree trunks utterly captivate me – so many twisted gnarled trunks – and so many stories hidden in those branches. And in addition to everything else about them that I love is that the “leaves” make a pungent smudge.
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Yes! The high desert is like nothing else.
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