Imagine a giant tree that's about the height of a 36-story building. Like the tree in the following picture. 

A little reminder though: you might have to scroll several times to see the whole tree.

Chinese scientists completed a survey on the giant trees in the southern regions of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region in June, and the tree in the above picture -a cypress which is 101.2 meters tall from its base to the highest live branch - has been confirmed as the second tallest tree in the entire world and the tallest in Asia. Scientist estimate that it's about 1450 years old.

The record-breaking tree, called Cupressus torulosa, was found at the national nature reserve of the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon in Bome county, Nyingchi city.

It's not the only behemoth that scientists discovered. During the 17-day survey, they were able to chronicle 260 trees over 80 meters in height, 25 over 90 meters.

As a result, full-length photos of the top two giant trees were released on Sunday. Second to the one in the above picture is a 99.5-meter cypress of the same species measured from its base to the highest live branch. It's about 1,400 years old! See the following picture.

Measuring these big plants is no easy task. Researchers have to wear special gear so they could climb all the way to the top.

Cupressus torulosa was first discovered by a group of researchers from Peking University during their scientific investigation in May. Its height was announced as 102.3 meters including dead branches, breaking the record for the tallest tree in Asia.

Mainly distributed in southeastern Xizang, Cupressus torulosa has a narrow distribution area and a small population. It has been listed as a national first-class protected plant.

Researchers believe that recording the tall trees could help them document the region's current biodiversity and inform protection decisions.

In a statement announcing the discovery of Cupressus torulosa in May, researchers noted that these giant trees are rare because they have to withstand fires, wind, lightning strikes and human intervention, among other possible stressors, but they play an irreplaceable role in forests and have great ecological value. According to the statement, they also provide ideal microclimates and habitats for some endangered plants and animals.

The current record holder of the world's tallest tree is coastal redwood that's 115.92 meters tall nicknamed Hyperion, located in California's Redwood National Park.

For more:

102.3 meters! The tallest tree in Asia found in Xizang, China

(Cover images CMG photos)

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