Wawona Tree, Sequoia in Mariposa Grove, California, US.
The Wawona Tree is a giant sequoia in Mariposa Grove, California, United States, standing more than 71 meters tall with a diameter approaching 8 meters. The tree grows in a protected forest section of Yosemite National Park, surrounded by other ancient sequoias.
Indigenous tribes of the California Sierra Nevada knew this sequoia for centuries and gave it the name Wawona before European settlers arrived in the area. The establishment of the protected grove in the late 1800s ensured the survival of this and other ancient sequoias for future generations.
The sequoia stands as a testament to environmental conservation efforts in the United States, influencing policies to protect natural heritage sites.
Visitors reach the tree through Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza, where shuttle services run during high-traffic months from spring through fall. The walking trail through the forest works for hikers of all levels and provides access to several other notable sequoias.
The tree's thick, spongy bark can grow up to 60 centimeters (24 inches) deep and protects the wood effectively from wildfires. This adaptation allows the sequoia to survive fires that would kill most other tree species.
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