Hyperion is the name of a coast redwood (Sequoia Sempervirens) in Northern California. It was measured at 115.61 metres (379.3 feet). Which ranks it as the world’s tallest known living tree. Hyperion is the world’s tallest tree. The tree is estimated to contain 18,600 cubic feet (530 m3) of wood and to be roughly 700–800 years old. Therefore in Feb 2012, Hyperion was featured in the BBC Radio 4 documentary James and the Giant Redwoods by James Aldred.
“The tree was discovered in 2006 and discovered three trees taller than the former world record holder “Stratosphere Giant 113.11m tall in late 2009”.
The most successful discovery of Hyperion tree when naturalists Chris Atkins and Michael Taylor discovered the first known living tree on Earth exceeding 115m height. Latest measurement of Hyperion is from late 2009 then the tree was 115.61m tall. Hyperion is in good shape and seems still to be growing up.
Traditionally the exact location of the tree has not been publicized due to the fear that human traffic would disturb the ecosystem the tree inhabits. This is done to avoid the temptation to develop this part of national park. And simply to prevent disturbance to the forest by the crowds of motivated nature lovers wading towards the tree. It is only come to know that it takes hard walk to reach this remote location in Redwood National Park.
Even though the part of the scientific community is not pleased with this stance (location of the tree is not disclosed. Hence even in scientific publications), they’re’re several sad cases when delicate information from deeply scientific publications easily becomes VERY public. But, definitely the heated debates about ethics in science and personal intrigues form the prosaic side in the lives of scientists. The splendid Hyperion stands tall above this.
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