150 THE ESSEX NATURALIST
Whilst the climate in Essex is not ideal, as the species
thrives best in a mild climate and also likes good soil and
plenty of moisture, some of the best trees are now 100 feet
high, with a girth of 12 to 14 feet near the base. Whether
anywhere in the British Isles the tree will produce specimens
as colossal as the "Big Trees" of California, where trees
reach 300 feet in height, with a girth of 80-90 feet near the
buttressed base, remains to be seen. However, as these
specimens in California are reputed to be from 2,000 to 3,000
years old, it may be a long time before that question is
answered conclusively, but I see no reason why the species
should not produce easily the biggest tree in the county, both
in height and girth.
The other Sequoia, the Redwood (S. sempervirens) is not
planted so frequently in this country, and I do not know of
a good specimen in Essex.
Deciduous or Swamp Cypress (Taxodium distichum)
shares the distinction with larch and Ginkgo in being the
only deciduous conifers. Some good specimens are found
in the county, frequently in damp situations, as the tree will
actually grow and thrive with its butt submerged in water.
The leaves produce a rich autumn colour before falling.
Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) was introduced from
North America. It has been known in the country for nearly
300 years, and trees 60 to 70 feet high are found. Some very
good specimens occur at Colchester.
Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba). Several medium-sized
trees, up to a height of 50 feet, of this unique species are
found in Essex. The tree is well represented in a fossil state
and is the last representative of a type that at one time filled
an important place in evolution. Nowhere is it found wild
today, and it is considered that the tree was saved from
extinction by the ancient Chinese priests, who planted it in
their temple gardens. Its common name derives from the
similarity of its leaf to a segment of the frond of the
maidenhair fern.