Hyperion (tree)
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Hyperion is the name of a coast redwood tree in Northern California that has been confirmed to measure 115.55 m (379.1 feet), which ranks it as the world's tallest known living tree.[1] Despite its great height, Hyperion is not the largest known coast redwood; that distinction belongs to the Lost Monarch tree.
Hyperion was discovered September 8, 2006 by researcher Chris Atkins and amateur naturalist Michael Taylor. The tree was verified as standing 115.55 m tall by Stephen Sillett. The tree was found in a remote area of the Redwood National Park purchased in 1978, during the Carter Administration. The exact location of the tree has not been revealed to the public for fear that human traffic would upset the ecosystem the tree inhabits. The tree is estimated to contain 502 m³ (18,600 cubic feet) of wood.[2]
Researchers stated that woodpecker damage at the top prevented the tree from reaching 380 feet (115.8 m).[3]
[edit] References
- ^ Gymnosperm Database
- ^ Preston, Richard (2007). The Wild Trees: A Story Of Passion And Daring. Allen Lane Publishers.
- ^ World's tallest tree, a redwood, confirmed. SFGate (September 29, 2006). Retrieved on [[May 25, 2008]].