SPANISH FORT, Ala. — After a few hundred years of causing damage to natural habitats, the Chinese tallow tree — a.k.a. “popcorn tree” — has benefited someone in Alabama.

The “Just One Tree” exhibit — which earlier this year opened at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center — featured a turnable called the “Wheel of Misfortune.” As the wheel turned, all seeds collected from a popcorn tree in a growing season passed through its hourglass.

Anyone under 18 was given a chance to guess just how many seeds came from “Just One Tree” for a chance to win a fully loaded canoe donated by Bass Pro Shops and 5 Rivers. The prize package included a 14-foot canoe, a youth and adult personal flotation device, two paddles, a first-aid kit, dry bag, compass, and flashlight, a guided canoe trip with 5 Rivers staff and more.

The contest ended June 1; 9-year-old Spanish Fort Elementary student Addie Hill won the prize package. Addie’s estimate was 38,000 seeds. This was the closest guess to the actual 37,905 count.

The “Just One Tree” exhibit will remain in the Apalachee Exhibit Hall as a reminder of the challenges public lands continue to face from non-native, invasive plants, 5 Rivers staffers said.