The tallest a plant can grow is currently measured at 100.5 meters (330 feet).
Tallest Known Plant
The title of tallest known flowering plant belongs to the Eucalyptus regnans, also known as the mountain ash or swamp gum. A living specimen of this species was measured at an impressive 100.5 meters (330 feet) in Southern Tasmania.
Key Features of Eucalyptus regnans:
- Species: Eucalyptus regnans
- Common names: Mountain ash, swamp gum
- Maximum Height: 100.5 meters (330 feet)
- Location: Southern Tasmania
- Type: Flowering plant
Factors Affecting Plant Height
While Eucalyptus regnans holds the record, several factors influence the ultimate height a plant can achieve, including:
- Genetics: A plant's DNA largely determines its potential height.
- Environment: Access to sunlight, water, and nutrients plays a crucial role.
- Climate: Temperature and weather patterns affect growth.
- Competition: Plants compete for resources, impacting their growth potential.
Comparison with Other Tall Plants
Although Eucalyptus regnans is the tallest flowering plant, it's not the tallest plant overall. Some conifers, like the Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), can grow even taller. However, when considering flowering plants specifically, the Eucalyptus regnans holds the record.
| Plant | Type | Height (approximate) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eucalyptus regnans | Flowering | 100.5 meters | Southern Tasmania |
| Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) | Conifer | Higher | California |
Implications for Plant Growth
Understanding the maximum growth potential of plants is important for various fields, including forestry, botany, and climate science. Studying these tallest plants helps scientists understand the limits of biological growth and the impact of environmental factors.
