Twisted “knot” tree.

This is a genuine photograph of a twisted "knot" tree. However, these trees did not grow naturally into this formation. This is a living tree sculpture created by Aharon Naveh. 

It should also be noted that while photos of these trees have been shared under titles such as "pretzel knot trees," this is not literal description, nor does any of them appear to be the official title of this tree sculpture. Literally speaking, the shape of this tree might best be described as a granny knot.

We haven't been able to source this specific image, but the knot or pretzel trees it shows can be found on a living tree sculpture farm at the Kibbutz Revivim in the Negev desert in southern Israel. According to the country's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Naveh started cultivating these tree sculptures at the kibbutz, a communal settlement in Israel, in 1985 by "tying, pushing and pressing, bending and twisting" these trees until they reach the desired shape.