This Jungle DVD tree is built using a simple plan. The idea is to create 3D terrain model that characterize the branch structures of the tree. It's a kind of half-step that has much less of a render hit than actually rendering a 3D tree, especially a tree with so many leaves.

Elongated cones were used for a basic trunk as well as four or five branches. They visually connect the assorted foliage models.

The weakness of this particular example is that only one texture and model were used. Still, the tree shows how effective the approach can be when actual depth is required. Here are the settings we used.