Sequoiadendron Giganteum which is arguably the tallest, largest in diameter and oldest tree in the world, found mainly in Sierra Nevada, California, USA, may soon add to the flora of the mountains of Uttarakhand. The State forest department’s research division, Haldwani, has for the first time sown 300 seeds of this giant tree in its nursery and more importantly, the seeds have germinated, as the officials concerned have said .
The State forest department's research division at Haldwani is now the first research centre to have done that kind of experiment in the country. The age of this tree can be something between two to three thousand years, said S K Singh, Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF), State forest 's research wing, Haldwani .
The experts here believe, Uttarakhand’s climatic conditions are suitable for the growth of this gigantic tree. They might be planted in areas like Ranikhet, Jyolikot, Nainital, to name a few areas of the region, said Singh. The average height of this tree is about 85 meter and about 8 meter in diameter. Experts here said the height of one tree was also found about 95 meter with 17 meter in diameter. More so, the oldest tree was found to be 3,500 years old.