Continuing my theme for today (see my other album) I found this tree in High Wycombe, UK the other day. It was accompanied by another tree of the same ilk.
I was almost certain these two trees are Sequoia (Wellingtonia Sequoiadendron giganteum). They stand at the entrance to an old and huge estate, I think, dating to Victorian times. Today this estate is a housing estate. These magnificent trees do not have any explanation or markings. So, I was left to speculate why they are there. Anyone know anything about them?
I looked them up on the Internet and found this website (I am not making this up) http://www.redwoodworld.co.uk/locations.htm - extraordinary! If you are a lover of Redwood trees you can find out where they are all located and what height they are etc. So I was able to confirm my identification. But I still have no idea why two trees at nearly 30meters high are growing in the SE of England - so far from their Native California. Life is extraordinary!
I often wonder if man were suddenly swept off the face of the Earth if trees like this would establish a new huge dynasty lasting a millennium or many more. These magnificent trees can live for more than 2000 years. I would like to think they would survive and thrive.
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that is totally wild!! someone clearly brought the trees over from here. it seems so incongruous but I'm so glad you found them and have shared them with us.
We've a handful of sequoias around here in Spain as well. The two that I've seen, at San Iledefonso Palace near Segovia, north of Madrid, were supposed to have been planted in around 1870 from seeds brought from California by British botanists* several years earlier. I'm guessing the tree in your shot is of the same origin.
*Following a quick check, it seems that British botanists John D. Matthew (in August 1853) and William Lobb (December 1853) were responsible for bringing the first sequoia seeds to Europe from Calaveras Grove, California.
*Following a quick check, it seems that British botanists John D. Matthew (in August 1853) and William Lobb (December 1853) were responsible for bringing the first sequoia seeds to Europe from Calaveras Grove, California.