They are impressive. Spectacular. Huge. Imposing. We could say many things about them, but surely we would lack words to describe them. At his side, any of us are tiny. Giant trees are often the oldest plants on planet Earth.
With an age that can easily be around 2000-3000 years, these magnificent plant beings are home to many other species, both animals and plants. In Jardinería On We are going to show you some of the most surprising ones.
Giant sequoia
And let's start with one of the best-known giant tree species: the Sequoiadendron giganteum, or called by the common name Giant Sequoia. This conifer native to western North America has a very slow growth rate, but a life expectancy of 3200 years.
It can reach 50 to 85 meters in height, and its trunk can reach 7 meters in diameter., although references have been found of trees that reached 94 meters in height and have a trunk of more than 11m in diameter.
Currently, in the Sequoia National Park, in California, one called General Sherman grows, which is approximately 2500 years old and weighs 1300 tons.
Redwood
The Redwood, known by the scientific name sequoia sempervirens, It is the tallest conifer that exists, measuring 115,61 meters in height and 7,9 meters in diameter at its base.. It is also one of the longest-lived, being able to live between 2000 and 3000 years.
It grows naturally in western North America, although today due to its majesty it can be found in all temperate regions of the world.
Of course, you should know that if you dare to buy one, it will only survive if the summer is mild and the winter cold.
Giant gum tree
Some of the fastest trees in the world grow in Australia and Tasmania: eucalyptus. With a rate of 1 meter per year, they are not usually plants that are recommended to have in the gardens since their root system is very invasive. However, when seen in their natural habitat they are a real wonder, especially if you come across a giant rubber tree.
This tree, whose scientific name is eucalyptus regnans, it is a plant that can reach 152 meters, like one they discovered in 1872 which they called the Ferguson Tree. Unfortunately, today it no longer exists. In 1888, on the occasion of the International Exhibition in Melbourne, a reward was offered to anyone who found a tree that measured more than 120 meters.
No one could find it. Although they found one that was "only" 99 meters in Mt. Baw Baw (Victoria).
Douglas fir
Douglas Fir, also known as Oregon Pine and whose scientific name is Pseudotsuga menziesii, is a conifer that, like the Sequoia, grows at a very slow but steady rate. It is native to North America, specifically the Southwest, and can also be found in Southwest Canada.
It can measure up to 75 meters in height, with a trunk diameter of up to 2 meters. It is one of the plants that inhabit primary forests, that is, those that have not been exploited by humans.
Their life expectancy is very long, over 1000 years.
Which one did you like the most?