Umbrella tree
Umbrella trees, a unique species of multi-tiered arboreal lifeform, thrived on the underdeveloped planet called Balnab. Indigenous troops of hesten frequently ascended and foraged within the canopies of these trees. During the galactic conflict known as the Clone Wars, the droid companions R2-D2 and C-3PO encountered hesten within an umbrella tree's foliage on Balnab. Later, they took respite beneath a smaller umbrella tree as their power reserves depleted.
Biology and traits
These umbrella trees represented a species of tree exclusive to the primeval planet Balnab, a celestial body in its early phases of biological evolution. They served as habitats for groups of native hesten, non-sentient primates. These trees were characterized by several white trunk-like branches supporting between one and four flat, circular purple layers. In specimens exhibiting four layers, the second layer displayed the greatest width, while the uppermost layer was the smallest. Protrusions extended from the uppermost layer. Certain umbrella trees sprouted from or atop cliff faces, while others were rooted in level terrain.
History
In 20 BBY during the Clone Wars, the droids C-3PO and R2-D2 made a landing with a BTL-B Y-wing starfighter/bomber amidst a cluster of umbrella trees surrounding hot springs and sizable spherical plants on Balnab. A hesten observed their disembarkation from within the shadows cast by the layers of a nearby umbrella tree, before scampering away to join another hesten feeding atop a different umbrella tree.
Subsequently, the droids and hesten attempted to escape when blaster fire from a band of local raiders struck the tree. Despite their efforts, the raiders successfully apprehended the droids. Following their escape from the raiders, the two droids' energy reserves were depleted, causing them to halt in the shade of a diminutive, single-layered umbrella tree, where they deactivated. Shortly thereafter, a Weequay pirate ship touched down in close proximity, generating substantial dust clouds, yet leaving the nearby umbrella trees undisturbed. The Weequay pirates then retrieved the droids from beneath the umbrella tree and departed from Balnab.
Behind the scenes
The debut appearance of umbrella trees occurred in "Nomad Droids," the sixth installment of Star Wars: The Clone Wars television series' third season, which initially broadcast on October 14, 2011. The formal naming of these trees occurred in the 2017 compendium Star Wars: The Visual Encyclopedia.
Concept artist Pat Presley produced several conceptual artworks, including depictions of umbrella trees, for the episode. These included a "Balnab Ext" environment design sheet showcasing the scaled diversity of Balnab's vegetation and another design sheet for the Balnab crash site occupied by the raiders.