Sequoia - one of the largest trees on the planet.In the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, it was common in Europe and Asia, but is now preserved only in the mountains of California and Southern Oregon.This relic plants pre-Ice Age, they could be called living fossils.
Features
giant Sequoia (Sequoia, mammoth tree), named after the Iroquois chief, was completely unknown to Europeans until 1850.Grove of giant trees, accidentally discovered the Englishman lobby.
Indians called the sequoias "fathers of forests."This makes sense, because it describes not only the trees reach a height of 100-120 meters, but also live a surprisingly long time.According to the annual rings of the oldest of them it has been found that they can reach up to 3,000 years of age.
giant sequoia belongs to the family Taxodiaceae (Department of gymnosperms).This coniferous tree with lush foliage.Although beautiful and dense wood is very much appreciated, possibilities of its use in the economy is small because of the extreme scarcity of redwoods.Instead, it is used for decorative purposes.Landings of these giants can be found in the Caucasus and on the southern coast of Crimea.
or Sequoia Sequoia?
Although these trees are very similar, there are differences between them.
Sequoias grow in northern California on a narrow coastal strip.For them favorable humid climate with regular fog.A giant sequoia is found on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada (at altitudes of 1.5-2 km).Sequoia cones may not open when wet.For rashes of seeds needed dry and hot weather.
Forest fires, dangerous to all living things, these trees can play a catalytic role in reproduction and growth.Cones from heat open, and the seeds fall to the ground, already free from weeds.Adult trees with their powerful bark from the fire did not suffer as much as other plants.And in the trunk of an old giant sequoias can contain up to 8,000 liters of water.
These giants hit its height.They argue with some types of eucalyptus trees for the title of the tallest trees.Sequoia little short of the hundred-meter height, but they bring in awe of its thickness, reaching more than 10 m. Not without reason they are called gigantic.
example, sequoia "General Sherman" has a trunk circumference of more than 35 m. To drive a circle around this giant, it would take more than 25 people!This tree is considered the biggest in the world since 1931.
Giant sequoias - centenarians.At the beginning of the XX century they were cut because of the valuable timber.According to the annual rings on the stumps it was determined the age of the trees.It was found that some of them are living about three thousand years!They grew even then, only when the Egyptians began building the famous pyramids.
Giant sequoias have extremely extensive and strong root system.The bark contains substances repellent bark beetles and other pests.From fungi and lichens they also have chemical protection.
General Sherman Tree
in California (USA) created the National Park of "Sequoia".Its main part - a "forest giants" - the largest grove of trees on the planet.Almost every instance has its own name.Among the most famous General Sherman tree.It is simply amazing.Sequoia "General Sherman" - the huge tree in the world.It is believed that his age is 2300-2700 years.Height is not maximal for the trees - "only" 84 m. However, the volume of the giant, constituting nearly 1,500 cubic meters and a weight of about 2,500 tons makes it the largest living thing on the planet.
And this is not the limit, because the redwoods grow throughout life.And they do not die of old age as much as their giant size.There comes a moment when the tree trunk can no longer hold the enormous weight.It just breaks.A "General Sherman" continues to grow, increasing its diameter at least a year and a half centimeters.Currently, he is more than 11.1 m!
Such big tree attracts exceptional attention of tourists.National park "Sequoia" every year is visited by tens of thousands of people who want to see this wonder of the world, to be photographed next to it.
named in honor of the hero
General Sherman, who was named in honor of the tree - the national hero of the United States.During the Civil War he enjoyed even more popular than General Grant.The best-known operation under the leadership of the Sherman was the struggle for Atlanta, after which he accepted the surrender of the Confederate Army, led by Johnston.In 1869, General Grant's successor at the post commander in chief of US forces.
In 1879, naturalist James Wolverton Township, during the Civil War he served in the army with the rank of Lieutenant Sherman, an enormous tree called the name of the beloved commander.
By the way, the second largest in the world is a sequoia "General Grant".
Attractions Park
addition "Giant Forest" attracts tourists tunnel-log.In 1937, across the road in the park fallen giant sequoia, blocking the way for cars.To rediscover the path of the park employees were forced to cut it in a tunnel width of 5 m and a height of about 2.5 meters. Wood decided not to clean up, and it became one of the main attractions.
In the middle of the park there is a granite hill Moro Rock, on top of which a staircase.On top of a magnificent view of the entire "forest giants."Attract them, and numerous caves.However, they are closed to but one.
beautiful park and gigantic trees are now in danger.Continuing in the last years of drought in California has caused numerous fires, which can not withstand even the most powerful redwoods.A lack of moisture in the soil hinders the emergence of young shoots.Unfortunately, these centenarians could disappear from the face of the Earth.
