As of 2015, the world's tallest tree is "Hyperion," located in Redwood National Park, in California. It was discovered in 2006 by hikers Chris Atkins and Michael Taylor. The tree is a coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and it is 379 feet 4 inches (115.62 meters) tall. The exact location of the Hyperion is not known, however. Scientists are keeping the location of Hyperion secret in order to protect it.
Coast redwoods grow mostly in California and California's forests and state parks are believed to be home to the largest trees in the world. Another redwood, Del Norte Titan, is located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park in California. This tree is so large that if the tree were to be cut into planks, it could build 120 houses.
More about trees and plants:
- Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen during the day, and absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide at night. They release far more oxygen than they absorb.
- The origin of the word "tree" is "tre" from Old English. "Forest" comes from the old French word "foresta" which meant "woodland."
- Two mature trees produce enough oxygen to fulfill the annual oxygen needs of four people.