Second Tallest Tree in the World: Centurion in Tasmania

About 45 minutes drive and 20 minutes walk from Huon Bush Retreats, is the worlds tallest flowering plant. Named Centurion (vaguely translated latin for 100), this monster is just over 100 metres tall. It is surprisingly slender raising the question how does it stay up.

The answer is partly the protection offered by the surrounding other super-tall trees. Lightning and wind are common causes of tall tree damage, knocking the top metres off. Centurion is protected by other trees around 80 metres and is on a slope protecting it from the westerly winds.

Another risk to very old trees is disease. It is really important to thoroughly clean your shoes before visiting a native forest. Great attention to all the little crevices with a scrubbing brush dipped in a tray of bleach does the trick. Be sure to remove your laces and complete the cleaning process with the shoes off your feet. You might like to choose an old pair of shoes so the bleach does not damage your good ones. The walk is quite easy, you don't need fancy walking boots but you do need moderate fitness and good navigation skills.

Book at least 2 nights at Huon Bush Retreats and we can loan you a tray, bleach, brush and map.

It is quite a challenge to get a good photo. The full height photo shown here is a composite of 3 images.