This tree formed part of a local shrine, where villagers called it Shuǐshān 水杉 or "water fir". Unfortunately, while he collected some plant material, he did not attempt to identify or publish his findings. Though unaware of Miki's new genus, he recognized the unique traits of the tree. In the same year, Kan Duo (Toh Kan, 1903-1961), professor of Forest Management, National Central University, Chongqing, (formerly Chungking) observed an enormous living specimen while performing a survey in Sichuan and Hubei provinces. He realized he had discovered a new genus, which he named Metasequoia, meaning "like a sequoia". Shigeru Miki from Kyoto University identified a divergent leaf form. While studying fossil samples of the family Cupressaceae, Dr. When the genus Metasequoia was first described in 1941, it was from Mesozoic Era fossils, none of which were less than 150 million years old. Metasequoia glyptostroboides (dawn redwood) bonsai treeĪlthough it was commonly known from the fossil record from across the northern hemisphere, the dawn redwood was considered extinct until the mid-twentieth century. If the species had been discovered later, it might have become extinct before being investigated. The tree faces considerable risks of extinction in its wild range due to deforestation, however it has been planted extensively in arboreta worldwide, where it has proved a popular and fast-growing ornamental plant. It is a particularly well-known example of a living fossil species. In 1941, the genus Metasequoia was reported by paleobotanist Shigeru Miki as a widely distributed extinct genus based on fossils, before attracting considerable attention a few years later when small populations were found alive in central China. Although the shortest of the redwoods, it can grow to 120 ft (37 m) in height. It now survives only in wet lower slopes and montane river and stream valleys in the border region of Hubei and Hunan provinces and Chongqing municipality in south-central China, notably in Lichuan county in Hubei. It is the sole living species of the genus Metasequoia, one of three genera in the subfamily Sequoioideae of the family Cupressaceae. Thompson & Morgan strives to ensure that all its plants are delivered to you in the perfect condition for planting.Metasequoia glyptostroboides, the dawn redwood, is a fast-growing, endangered deciduous conifer. Please see our Delivery page for further details, and more information on different charges that may apply to certain destinations.įor more information on how we send your plants please visit our Helpful Guide on plant sizes. Large items may incur a higher delivery charge - this will be displayed in your shopping basket. Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products, a maximum delivery charge of £6.99 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered. Orders which include any other products will incur a delivery charge of £5.99. Orders for packets of seed incur a delivery charge of £2.99. Delivery times will be stated on the product page above, or in your order acknowledgement page and email. are delivered at the appropriate time for planting or potting on. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes, etc. Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above.