Hyperion is the name of a coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) in Northern California that was measured at 115.92Â m (380.3Â ft), which ranks it as the world's tallest known living tree. After 2013, research reports omit tree names, and previously known tall redwoods grew, fell, or lost height.
Overview
Hyperion was discovered August 25, 2006, by naturalists Chris Atkins and Michael Taylor. 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. The tree's location has not been revealed to the public in the interest of keeping it safe. The tree is estimated to contain 530 m3 (18,600 cu ft) of wood. Sillett estimates the tree to be 600 years old while others report it to be roughly 700â€"800 years old.
Researchers stated that woodpecker damage at the top may have prevented the tree from growing taller.
In February 2012, Hyperion was featured in the BBC Radio 4 documentary James and the Giant Redwoods by James Aldred.
See also
- List of superlative trees
References
External links
- National Geographic Video: "World's Tallest Tree Towers Over California"
- M.D. Vaden.com: Information about the Hyperion Coast Redwood Tree
