A giant sequoia or mammoth tree (as it is also called) is rightfully considered one of the largest trees in the world. Also, this centenarian is one of the many wonders of the world. This giant coniferous tree can reach a height of more than 110 meters, and its trunk is 12 meters in diameter. The lifespan of a miracle of nature is simply unthinkable. The giant sequoia has been living for over 5,000 years.
History of occurrence
To date, scientists have come to the conclusion that a tree of this breed appeared on earth 140 million years ago. This is proved by found and investigated fossils and other geological deposits, on the basis of which one can calculate the approximate period of the appearance of a huge natural creature on Earth.
In ancient times, sequoia spread to the territories that today are known as France, Japan and even the Novosibirsk Islands. A giant tree already existed in the Jurassic period, when dinosaurs inhabited the planet, and even then forests occupied vast territories in the northern hemisphere. According to experts, 50 million years ago, due to the fact that the temperature on Earth has dropped significantly, the ice age has begun. The giant sequoia has ceased to spread across the planet and its range has greatly decreased. After warming, these trees remained at the same stage of development and remained to grow in only one region.
The first giant sequoia discovered by the Spaniards, who in 1769 sent an expedition to the area of present-day San Francisco. Mammoth trees got their name from the linguist and botanist S. Endlifer, who was the first to call them “red trees”. Initially, no one knew what to do with these huge centenarians. They were practically not exploited, this is due to the fact that strong trunks were almost impossible to knock down, since they were not taken either by an ax or a saw. In addition to everything, the wood turned out to be absolutely unsuitable for construction, such as, for example, a pine tree or other coniferous. Giant sequoia forests were even exterminated in 1848. By the time when more than half of the trees were already destroyed, the US authorities decided to start protecting the amazing creatures of nature.
Our days
Today, the natural sequoia forests are considered a public property, but they are preserved only on the Pacific coast of California. The mammoth tree also grows on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This is the only place where the remains of amazing and beautiful forest giants are still preserved. This reserve covers an area of about 670 kilometers of the coast and about 45 kilometers inland. Giant sequoia does not grow high in the mountains, because it requires high humidity. Nevertheless, the mammoth tree copes with low temperatures perfectly, which just helped this wonder of the world survive during the ice age.
Every year, thousands of tourists come to the United States who want to be photographed at the foot of a tree. The reserve, where a giant sequoia grows, is also popular with the Americans, who even named one such giant in the name of the famous American commander. This giant is protected, like any other monument, and is the cultural heritage of all of America. Despite the interest on the part of scientists, it is not cut down under any pretext.
Tree "General Sherman"
The giant sequoia "General Sherman" grows in Sierra Nevada and is considered one of the most amazing plants on earth. The height of the tree is more than 83 meters, and its trunk volume is 1486 cubic meters with a weight of more than 6000 tons. According to rough estimates, the tree is about 2700 years old, and it still continues to grow. Each year, the giant builds as much wood as an 18-meter tree can gain. Scientists continue to study the only coniferous plant in the world that has seen the whole history of mankind in its life.
Another famous giant
In addition to "General Sherman" in the reserve there is another amazing tree - a giant sequoia (sequoiadendron). California, where it was cut down, still keeps the base of the giant. Moreover, it was also honored by becoming the unspoken symbol of the state. The tree was cut down in 1930 at the age of 1930! At its core, some sectors are combined with paint and the following is written on them:
- 1066 is the year of the Battle of Hastings.
- 1212 - the year of the signing of the Magna Carta.
- 1492 is the year of the discovery of America.
- 1776 - year of adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
- 1930 - the year of cutting.
Sequoia Description
The tree has a thick bark, the thickness of which is 60 cm. Oil substances are completely absent in the wood moisture, but tannin is contained in large quantities, making it resistant to any forest fires. Even burnt trunks continue to grow further, while other conifers die after such lesions. The wood of this tree is not susceptible to attack by insects, fungi, diseases and rot. Its roots grow so deep in the ground that the chance that a tree will fall from a strong gust of wind is zero. The giant sequoia, pictures and photographs of which are amazing, has a pinkish bark, which becomes redder closer to the core. It does not rot for a long time, withstands enormous loads and is therefore perfectly suitable for a wide variety of purposes, although it is not actively used.
Breeding
An adult sequoia tree gives a huge amount of seeds, but only a tiny fraction of them successfully sprouts, and even those that have made their way through the earth are forced to fight for their lives. The fact is that young shoots branch along the entire length, but the older they get, the more lower branches they drop. Thus, the tree forms a durable dome that absolutely does not let in daylight. Giant sequoia forests do not allow anything to grow under this green shed. Therefore, young shoots have to deal with low light, making it very difficult to talk about the natural distribution of mammoth trees on the ground. In the event that mankind will actively use such wood, there will be a need to create special reserves in which young trees will be grown.