Key facts
- A Taiwania cryptomerioides has been identified as the tallest known tree in East Asia.
- The tree was found in the mountains of northern Taiwan.
- The species' ancestors date back 100 million years.
Deep within the mountainous regions of northern Taiwan, scientists have made a significant discovery: the tallest known tree in East Asia. The tree, identified as a Taiwania cryptomerioides, is a large coniferous species belonging to the cypress family (Cupressaceae). This species has a long evolutionary history, with ancestors dating back approximately 100 million years. The discovery marks the culmination of a decade-long search by researchers.