This 84-Meter Tree Was Hidden in Taiwan’s Mountains Until Scientists Finally Found It

Deep in Taiwan’s remote mountains, a hidden tree remained out of sight for generations until scientists finally tracked it down. Deep in Taiwan’s mountains, scientists have found an 84.1-meter Taiwania fir, the tallest known tree in East Asia. A LiDAR-generated 3D map reveals hidden giant Taiwania firs in Taiwan’s mountainous forests. In 2024, researchers worked with 15 citizen scientists to examine the Tao Tree valley, home to Taiwan’s third-tallest tree. The findings reported by Frontiers show that Taiwan’s giant forests are among the most carbon-dense ecosystems in the world.