8 Record-breaking trees around the world
9th Nov 2023 Life
4 min read
From the towering heights of Hyperion to the perilous allure of the Manchineel, we explore the impressive trees that are breaking records around the world
In the enchanting realm of the natural world, trees stand as towering titans of time, whispering stories of centuries gone by. These green giants not only serve as the lungs of our planet but also as record-breakers in their own right.
As we observe National Tree Week at the end of November, you are invited to embark on a journey to discover the eight record-breaking trees found across the globe. Brace yourselves for a leafy adventure through nature’s strongest soldiers.
Hyperion: The sky’s the limit
The Hyperion towers above all the other redwoods in California's Redwood National Park
Deep within the heart of California's Redwood National Park, Hyperion reaches for the sky, breaking records as the tallest living tree on the planet.
"If you were to take an elevator to the top, you'd be in a different climate zone by the time you got there"
This mighty coast redwood, a species known for its towering height, stands at a staggering 115.9 metres—taller than the Statue of Liberty. If you were to take an elevator to the top, you'd be in a different climate zone by the time you got there.
General Sherman: How massive can you get?
Credit: Clementp.fr, CC BY-SA 4.0. General Sherman weighs an immense 1.2 million kilograms
In the heart of California's Sequoia National Park resides General Sherman, claiming its title as the most massive tree on the planet.
With a girth of approximately 131.3 meters and an estimated weight of 1.2 million kilograms, this giant sequoia is a true heavyweight champion. It's so massive that it's akin to 40 full-sized elephants balancing on its trunk.
General Sherman, standing strong at around 2,200 years old, exemplifies the enduring fortitude of nature's champions.
Wild Fig: Roots run deep
The Wild Fig tree at Echo Caves, nestled near Ohrigstad in Mpumalanga, South Africa, stands as a silent testament to the tenacity of nature.
This remarkable tree has achieved the astounding feat of sending its roots plunging to an unparalleled depth of 120 metres, reaching the very bowels of the Earth, exemplifying the astonishing adaptability and persistence of arboreal life.
While its lofty canopy may be hidden amidst the forest's verdant embrace, its subterranean exploration into the Earth's depths attests to the enduring mysteries and wonders concealed beneath our feet.
Manchineel: Danger all around
Credit: David Ceballos, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr. Touching any part of the manchineel tree can cause severe chemical burns
The manchineel tree, known scientifically as Hippomane mancinella, earns a menacing reputation as the most dangerous tree on Earth.
Native to the tropical regions of North and South America, this deceptively beautiful tree stands as a natural enigma. Its glossy leaves and small, apple-like fruits beckon those who pass by, but beneath this veneer lies a perilous secret.
"Standing near a manchineel tree during rain can even be hazardous"
Every part of the manchineel tree, from its sap to its fruit and leaves, contains a potent toxin known as phorbol, which can cause severe chemical burns and, if ingested, may lead to death.
Standing near a manchineel tree during rain can even be hazardous, as its sap can leach onto the skin.
Due to its toxic nature, these trees often bear warning signs, cautioning visitors to keep a safe distance.
The manchineel tree's fearsome reputation as the "little apple of death" serves as a stark reminder that nature's beauty can sometimes be wrapped in a deadly embrace.
Arbol del Tule: Widest in the land
Credit: Fernando Tapia Rodríguez, CC BY-, via Flickr. 20 people can stand with arms outstretched around the Arbol del Tule
Mexico's Oaxaca state cradles an arboreal marvel known as Arbol del Tule. This Montezuma cypress tree boasts a mind-boggling girth, measuring approximately 36 meters in circumference.
To put it in perspective, you'd need over 20 people with outstretched arms to encircle its trunk.
While it might not be the tallest or the oldest, Arbol del Tule certainly takes the crown for being the widest tree on Earth, earning its spot in the Guinness World Records.
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi: Growing with history
In Sri Lanka, beneath the spiritual shade of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, lies a tree with a storied history. This sacred fig tree, planted in 288 BCE, takes the title for being the oldest tree ever intentionally planted by humans.
It is a living testament to ancient horticultural wisdom and has been a place of pilgrimage for over two millennia, offering shade to countless seekers of enlightenment.
Chestnut Tree of One Hundred Horses: A spanning canopy
Credit: Jean-Pierre Houël. A queen and her entire travelling company once took shelter under the Chestnut Tree of One Hundred Horses' massive canopy
In the Sicilian village of Sant'Alfio, Italy, stands the Chestnut Tree of One Hundred Horses, a colossal sweet chestnut tree with a canopy that reaches far and wide. It earns its name as the tree with the broadest canopy, shading an area of approximately 2,000 square meters.
Legend has it that a queen and her entire retinue once took refuge under its vast branches during a rainstorm.
While we can't confirm the historical accuracy of the tale, there's no denying that this tree's canopy is a sight to behold.
Pennantia baylisiana: Rarest of them all
The world's rarest tree, the Pennantia baylisiana, stands as a botanical enigma in New Zealand. With only one known individual remaining in the wild, this species teeters on the brink of extinction.
Named after its discoverer, Dr Geoffrey Baylis, the tree's solitary existence on the remote Three Kings Islands accentuates its rarity.
"With only one known individual remaining in the wild, this species teeters on the brink of extinction"
Conservationists have made heroic efforts to propagate and protect this lone survivor, with the hope of reviving the species.
Its near-extinct status serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving Earth's diverse flora, as the loss of any species, no matter how rare, diminishes the rich tapestry of life on our planet.
Banner credit: m01229 from USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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