Hyperion (tree)

Example of Redwoods in Redwood National and State Parks (Hyperion not pictured)

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 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 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's growth. According to Michael Taylor, "It's possible it could've topped out at 380 feet [or 116 metres]".[5]

In February 2012, Hyperion was featured in the BBC Radio 4 documentary James and the Giant Redwoods by James Aldred.[6]

References

  1. ↑ Earle, CJ (2011). "Sequoia sempervirens". The Gymnosperm Database. Retrieved 2011-08-12.
  2. ↑ Preston, R (2006-10-09). "Tall for its age - Climbing a record breaking redwood". The New Yorker. 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 0-299-08850-2.
  4. ↑ Preston, R (2007). The Wild Trees: A Story Of Passion And Daring. Allen Lane Publishers. p. 284. ISBN 978-0-8129-7559-8.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Martin, G (2006-09-29). "World's tallest tree, a redwood, confirmed". SFGate. Retrieved 2009-08-09.
  6. ↑ "James and the Giant Redwoods - Part One". BBC Radio 4. BBC. Retrieved 25 September 2012.

External links