A thousand years old and 20 storeys high: tracking down Taiwan's tallest trees

Researchers have identified and documented Taiwan's most towering specimen, a Taiwania cryptomerioides reaching 84.1 meters in height—equivalent to a 20-storey structure. The ancient conifer, designated "Heaven Sword of the Da'an River," is estimated to be approximately 1,000 years old. The tree possesses a remarkably straight trunk that ascends vertically into the forest canopy, characteristic of this species.

The comprehensive study was spearheaded by Dr. Rebecca Hsu, assistant researcher at the Taiwan Forestry Research Institute, whose team dedicated more than a decade to mapping and measuring Taiwan's tallest trees. Their methodology involved aerial forest scanning followed by extensive ground expeditions to conduct in situ measurements. The research findings were published this month in Frontiers in Forests and Global Change. The tree supports complex ecological communities, including flying squirrels and owls inhabiting hollow trunks, vibrant yellow rhododendron blossoms emerging from the lower canopy, and the rare orchid Bulbophyllum ciliisepalum thriving in cloud-drenched upper branches.

The discovery contributes to a global catalogue of monumental ancient trees. The world's tallest living tree remains a coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) in California's Redwood National Park, towering at 116 meters—surpassing even Elizabeth Tower in London. Chris Swanston, director of science for Save the Redwoods League, emphasizes that vertical growth serves as an engine for biodiversity, with massive old-growth specimens functioning as multi-generational ecological neighborhoods. Furthermore, mature trees represent critical infrastructure against climate change, possessing unparalleled capacity to sequester atmospheric carbon.

Sources: theguardian.com