Photo: Unding Jami, National Geographic
National Geographic broke the story yesterday that a team of researchers from the U.K. this week found the world’s first 100-meter tall tropical tree in the forests of Sabah, a Malaysian state on the island of Borneo. To put it in perspective, if this tree was laid on the ground it would be longer than a soccer field. The researchers named the tree “Menara,” which is Malaysian for “tower.” They also figured that the tree weighs approximately 81,500 kilograms, which is more than the maximum takeoff weight of a Boeing 737-800, and that is excluding its roots. It also happens to be the tallest flowering plant in the world! The best part is that to prove it is the tallest someone had to climb up the tree with a tape measure. You can read more about that adventure here!
H/t to Brian H for this truly tall tale!
April 4, 2019 » Borneo, National Geographic, tallest tree
