Dawn Redwood

Dawn Redwood Facts

Perhaps most notably, the magnificent Dawn Redwood forms one of only three known varieties of redwood trees known to man. However, the majority of botanists had believed the fabulous species to be extinct. This erroneous belief held sway until the rediscovery of the species in 1944.
Furthermore, this wonderful conifer also remains the only known member of its genus to still remain in existence. In addition, a known total of three other species once also filled the genus. But quite sadly, these three other varieties of the tree became extinct in the distant past.
Quite unfortunately as well, the known population of this species only numbers a few thousand individual specimens. Given this lamentable fact, plus its highly localized native populations, the IUCN presently lists the gorgeous redwood as Endangered, rather understandably.
Finally, like many species around the world today, this variety of tree faces the very real threat of extinction, at least in the wild. Firstly, deforestation in its native area now poses a dire threat to the few remaining wild specimens. And, of course, climate change also poses a great danger.

Bois Dentelle Elaeocarpus Bojeri — Bois Dentelle

Dawn Redwood Physical Description

Much like all known still existing varieties of Redwood, the gorgeous Dawn Redwood attains an enormous height. However, despite its great size, this variety nevertheless remains the smallest of the three known types, by far. But, its branches also reach the greatest width, relative to height.

Mature specimens of this beautiful tree average about 120 ft (37 m) in height. Yet, exceptional plants sometimes greatly exceed this measurement. Furthermore, the Dawn Redwood grows exceptional quickly. In point of fact, the tallest one ever reliably measured grew to a height of roughly 165 ft (50 m).

In addition, the bark of this stunning deciduous tree develops in comparatively elongated vertical strips. But surprisingly, the bark of this amazing tree quite often peels away in relatively thin strips. The same bark also develops a deep brown color.

Further, its leaves develop on opposing sides of a stem. These average a length of 0.4 – 1.18 in (1 – 3 cm). The same leaves display a bright green color at first, but slowly turn reddish-brown or dark orange in Autumn. Its rounded pollen cones average 0.2 in ( 5 mm) in length.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophytes
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Pinales
Family: Cupressaceae
Genus: Metasequoia
Species: M. glyptostroboides

Dawn Redwood Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Quite unfortunately, the marvelous Dawn Redwood has an extremely limited range of natural habitation. That holds true due to the fact that the rare species grows naturally in only the Lichuan county, of the Hubei province. This area forms part of the country of China, in Asia.

Furthermore, even in this location it has rather specific habitat requirements. Sadly, this only serves to increase its danger in the wild. That’s because all known naturally occurring specimens appear only on the various hills and wetlands of the county in China that it inhabits.

Further, the tree remains a fascinating example of adaptive evolution. This holds true due to the fact that scientists theorize that the species did not originally evolve as deciduous, but as an evergreen. The majority consensus among researchers is that species slowly altered its natural state over time, in response to its environmental conditions.

Further, evidence indicates the possibility that the great majority of all known specimens in the wild sprang from one single parent tree, still in existence. That tree now forms the central part of a special shrine. Finally, the species has become quite popular as an ornamental plant, appearing in numerous parks and gardens. This, at least, aids in its preservation.