Hyperion (tree)

Hyperion is the name of a Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) in Northern California that was measured at 115.61 metres (379.3 ft), 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 August 25, 2006 by naturalists Chris Atkins and Michael Taylor.[2] The tree was verified as standing 115.55 metres (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 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 cubic metres (17,700 cu ft) of wood,[4] and to be roughly 700 – 800 years old.[5]

Researchers stated that woodpecker damage at the top prevented the tree from reaching 380 feet (115.8 m).[5]

References

  1. ^ Earle, CJ (2011). "Sequoia sempervirens". The Gymnosperm Database. http://www.conifers.org/cu/se/index.htm. Retrieved 2011-08-12. 
  2. ^ Preston, R (2006-10-09). "Tall for its age - Climbing a record breaking redwood". The New Yorker. http://www.savetheredwoods.org/league/pdf/srl_newyorker.pdf. Retrieved 2010-03-26. 
  3. ^ 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 0299088502. 
  4. ^ Preston, R (2007). The Wild Trees: A Story Of Passion And Daring. Allen Lane Publishers. ISBN 9781400064892. 
  5. ^ a b Martin, G (2006-09-29). "World's tallest tree, a redwood, confirmed". SFGate. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/09/29/BAGBULF6NG1.DTL&hw=hyperion&sn=004&sc=799. Retrieved 2009-08-09. 

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