Hyperion (tree)
Hyperion is the name of a coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) in Northern California that was measured at 115.61 m (379.3 ft), which ranks it as the world's tallest known living tree.[1]
Overview
Hyperion was discovered August 25, 2006, by naturalists Chris Atkins and Michael Taylor.[2] The tree was verified as standing 115.55 m (379.1 ft) tall by Stephen Sillett. The tree was found in a remote area of Redwood National and State Parks purchased in 1978.[3] The tree is estimated to contain 530 m3 (18,600 cu ft) of wood[4] and to be roughly 700–800 years old.[5]
Researchers stated that woodpecker damage at the top may have prevented the tree from growing taller.[5]
In February 2012, Hyperion was featured in the BBC Radio 4 documentary James and the Giant Redwoods by James Aldred.[6]
See also
References
- ^ Earle, CJ (2011). "Sequoia sempervirens". The Gymnosperm Database. Retrieved 2011-08-12.
- ^ Preston, R (2006-10-09). "Tall for its age - Climbing a record breaking redwood" (PDF). The New Yorker. Retrieved 2010-03-26.
- ^ Schrepfer, SR (1983). The Fight to Save the Redwoods: A History of Environmental Reform, 1917-1978. Madison, Wisconsin: The University of Wisconsin Press. pp. 130–85. ISBN 0-299-08850-2.
- ^ Preston, R (2007). The Wild Trees: A Story Of Passion And Daring. Allen Lane Publishers. p. 284. ISBN 978-0-8129-7559-8.
- ^ a b Martin, G (2006-09-29). "World's tallest tree, a redwood, confirmed". SFGate. Retrieved 2009-08-09.
- ^ "James and the Giant Redwoods - Part One". BBC Radio 4. BBC. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
External links
- National Geographic Video: "World's Tallest Tree Towers Over California"
- M.D. Vaden.com: Information about the Hyperion Coast Redwood Tree