THE GIANT REDWOOD TREES ARE EXTREMELY OLD.

[Carol Anne Kincaid~Paradis]

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They are Extremely Old

Since these trees can live for more than 2,000 years, they are among some of the longest surviving organisms on the planet, in fact, the oldest-known redwood is around 2,200 years old. That means they were even around the Roman Empire.

They Reach The Heavens

In 2006 a giant redwood by the name of Hyperion was discovered. It was measured to stand at  380.1 feet in height. Other well-known examples include Helios at 374.3 feet (114.1 meters), Icarus at 371.2 feet (113.1 meters), and Daedalus at 363.4 feet (110.8 meters). In order to protect these rare trees from vandals, the location of these trees are kept secret

Worlds Existing Way Up High

These trees are so high that they host whole communities of animals, insects, reptiles, and even additional plants that survive on the mats soils on the upper branches. These plants that grow on other plants are called epiphytes; some of the redwoods’ epiphytes are even rees themselves. The trees documented that have been growing on top of the trees include Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) cascara (Rhamnus purshiana), California bay laurel (Umbellaria californica,) Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla.) Some of these have even reached up to 40 feet.

Their Roots Intertwine

Contrary to popular belief, these massive trees do not have particularly deep roots, at least not as deep as you would think. Typically the roots extend six to twelve feet below the earth but it’s their breadth that is far more impressive.  These roots can extend up 10 100 feet from the base of the tree and even intertwine with neighboring trees, creating a network of intertwined roots thus increasing stability.

They Drink Fog

The climate in which these redwoods flourish is very moist. During the winter these trees get a lot of rain, during the summer months they depend on coastal fog for moisture. The fog condenses and comes out in tiny droplets that are absorbed by tee trees, so it’s almost as if they are sipping on fog.

Have a Peaceful Day! Stay Safe! Happy Trails My Friend.