The largest tree ever discovered in Asia and the second tallest tree in the world is a massive cypress tree that was located in a gorge in Tibet.
According to experts, including Wang Zi from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the tree was found in May in Bome County’s Nyingchi city in Tibet, reaching over 335 feet in height and almost 9.2 feet in diameter.
Although the precise species of the tree is still unknown, China’s official media has suggested that it may be either a Tibetan or a Himalayan cypress (Cupressus gigantea or Cupressus torulosa).
Over the last year, researchers have revised the Asian record for tallest tree a number of times.
Scientists from Peking University discovered a 252-foot tree in April of last year in Medog County in Tibet, which had temporarily held the record for tallest tree in China. When a 274-foot tree was discovered in Zayu County the following year, this record was also surpassed.
However, the 335-foot-tall tree’s discovery last month has once again resurrected the Asian record for the tallest tree. All of these trees have in common the fact that they were all found in Nyingchi City, an area that is the focus of conservation efforts because of its distinctive environment.
Along with the 335-foot-tall tree, researchers uncovered several more enormous trees in the region, 25 of which were confirmed to be higher than 295 feet.
This suggests that the area is the one in China with the greatest height and density of gigantic tree distribution. Because huge trees need the right soil, climate, and protection from wind, fire, lightning, and human meddling, such locations that support their growth are very uncommon on Earth.
The record for the tallest tree in Asia has also been exceeded thanks to the latest discovery.
Menara, a yellow meranti tree (Shorea faguetiana) with a height of roughly 331 feet, formerly held this record. According to reports, scientists mapped out the area’s trees and calculated their heights using drones, radar, and laser technology. According to Livescience, they created a 3D model of the cypress tree to precisely estimate its size.
They have urged additional experts to examine the area more thoroughly and do more in-depth research on its biodiversity.
