Hyperion (tree)

Hyperion is a coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) in California that was measured at 115.85 m (380.1 ft), which ranks it as the world's tallest known living tree.[1]

Hyperion
SpeciesCoast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)
Height115.85 m (380.1 ft)
Volume of trunk530 m3 (18,600 cu ft)

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] It is estimated to contain 530 m3 (18,600 cu ft) of wood.[4] The Park also houses the second tallest tree Helios, and the third tallest Icarus.[5] Sillett estimates Hyperion to be 600 years old[6] while others report it to be roughly 700–800 years old.[7]

The exact location of Hyperion is kept secret to protect the tree from damage.[2]

Researchers stated that woodpecker damage at the top may have prevented the tree from growing taller.[7]

In February 2012, Hyperion was featured in the BBC Radio 4 documentary James and the Giant Redwoods by James Aldred.[8]

See also

References
  1. Earle, CJ (2011). "Sequoia sempervirens". The Gymnosperm Database. Retrieved 2019-08-11.
  2. Preston, R (2006-10-09). "Tall for its age – Climbing a record breaking redwood" (PDF). 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 978-0-299-08850-7.
  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. "The Tallest tree in the World – Facts about Hyperion - FactPros". FactPros. 2018-08-06. Retrieved 2018-08-13.
  6. "Meet Hyperion, the World's Tallest Tree | Oddity Central – Collecting Oddities". www.odditycentral.com. 2016-01-15. Retrieved 2017-05-22.
  7. Martin, G (2006-09-29). "World's tallest tree, a redwood, confirmed". SFGate. Retrieved 2009-08-09.
  8. "James and the Giant Redwoods – Part One". BBC Radio 4. BBC. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
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