Hyperion (tree)
Encyclopedia
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. 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
. 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. 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 metre of wood, and to be roughly 700800 years old.
Researchers stated that woodpecker
damage at the top prevented the tree from reaching 380 feet (115.8 m).
Northern California
Northern California is the northern portion of the U.S. state of California. The San Francisco Bay Area , and Sacramento as well as its metropolitan area are the main population centers...
that was measured at 115.61 metres (379.3 ft), which ranks it as the world's tallest known living tree. Despite its great height, Hyperion is not the largest known coast redwood; that distinction belongs to the Lost Monarch
Lost Monarch
Lost Monarch is the name of a Coast Redwood tree in Northern California that is in diameter at breast height , and in height...
tree.
Hyperion was discovered August 25, 2006 by naturalists
Natural history
Natural history is the scientific research of plants or animals, leaning more towards observational rather than experimental methods of study, and encompasses more research published in magazines than in academic journals. Grouped among the natural sciences, natural history is the systematic study...
Chris Atkins and Michael Taylor
Michael Taylor (forester)
Michael W. Taylor is a leading discoverer of champion and tallest trees - most notably Coast Redwoods. In 2006, Michael co-discovered the tallest known tree in the world, a coast redwood now named "Hyperion"...
. The tree was verified as standing 115.55 metres (379.1 ft) tall by Stephen Sillett
Stephen C. Sillett
Stephen C. Sillett is a botanist specializing in old growth forest canopies. As the first scientist to enter the redwood forest canopy, he pioneered new methods for climbing, exploring, and studying tall trees...
. The tree was found in a remote area of Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks
The Redwood National and State Parks are located in the United States, along the coast of northern California. Comprising Redwood National Park and California's Del Norte Coast, Jedediah Smith, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks , the combined RNSP contain...
purchased in 1978. The exact location of the tree has not been revealed to the public for fear that human traffic would upset the ecosystem
Ecosystem
An ecosystem is a biological environment consisting of all the organisms living in a particular area, as well as all the nonliving , physical components of the environment with which the organisms interact, such as air, soil, water and sunlight....
the tree inhabits. The tree is estimated to contain 502 cubic metre of wood, and to be roughly 700800 years old.
Researchers stated that woodpecker
Woodpecker
Woodpeckers are near passerine birds of the order Piciformes. They are one subfamily in the family Picidae, which also includes the piculets and wrynecks. They are found worldwide and include about 180 species....
damage at the top prevented the tree from reaching 380 feet (115.8 m).
External links
- Hyperion Redwood: More Information with arborist photo documentation
- Complete Tallest Redwoods List: with Hyperion & other tall trees of the world
- Video: World's Tallest Tree Towers Over California - National Geographic