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giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron)
Giant sequoias are the largest trees ever to inhabit
the earth, and are among the oldest. Heights of 250 feet and diameters of
15 feet are not
uncommon. Their ages commonly range from 2,000 to 3,000 years (only bristlecone
pines are older). Although once widespread, giant sequoias now occur only
in
the Sierra Nevada Mountains of central California. Since 1890, giant sequoias
have been protected in Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks,
as
well as in smaller individual groves. There is only one species within this
genus, Sequoiadendron giganteum;
it has the same common name as its genus, giant
sequoia.
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