Giant redwood

Sequoiadendron giganteum is as endangered as the blue whale. This tree grows in the mountains of California and is one of the largest living organisms. One specimen named ‘General Sherman’ has an 11.1 m wide trunk – that is wider than a London bus is long! Small, frequent fires do not destroy the giant redwoods; they have fire-resistant bark and few lower branches. The ashes left by the fires are perfect for seedlings to establish in.