Something's stressing the giant sequoias

Sequoia trees are generally resilient to weather changes, but scientists are feeling unsure now if they will pull through with the current conditions. Photos: TNS

Some 20m from the top of a giant sequoia named Kong, biologist Anthony Ambrose studied the foliage around him. Dense clusters of green leaves grew like shaving brushes from the branches, cones clustered like Indian clubs.

Topping out 25 storeys above the ground, Kong was spectacular, an ancient beastly creature well-suited for its name. Its trunk at the base measured almost 6m across. This broccoli top, Ambrose thought, was doing well, much like the other sequoias he had climbed.