In Redwood National Park, California, lies a natural tree — Hyperion. It is the world’s tallest tree, standing tall at an impressive 115.92 meters (380.3 feet) above ground.
In 2006, two naturalists, Chris Atkins and Michael Taylor, stumbled upon the tree while on an expedition to explore the park’s remote areas. They were unaware of the significance of their find, but it wasn’t until Stephen Sillett verified the tree’s height that it became clear just how remarkable it was. Hyperion is estimated to be between 600 to 800 years old. Its massive size is not just a result of its age, but also its incredible strength and resilience, to keep standing. The tree contains 530 cubic meters (18,600 cubic feet) of wood. Hyperion is not without its challenges. In recent years, the park’s superintendent has taken steps to protect the tree from over enthusiastic visitors. The area surrounding Hyperion has been closed off to the public, citing concerns over the caused by excessive foot traffic. Visitors who disregard these warnings could face severe penalties, including up to six months in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Source // wikipedia.com
