1. THE GYMNOSPERM BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS!

2.  Did you know that conifers, which are gymnosperms(non-flowering plants) hold - not one, not two, but THREE world records for all living things?  Well it’s true!  Can you guess what they are?

3. World Record #1 TALLEST LIVING THING  Giant Redwoods  California  Can grow over 350 feet tall!

4. These trees are CRAZY big. Look at the roots of one that fell over.

5. Some are so big, the road goes through it. (Click on image for video - 3:00.)

6. BUT… THEY ARE NOT THE MOST MASSIVE LIVING THINGS (GREATEST MASS, WEIGHT, OR VOLUME) THERE IS ANOTHER CONIFER THAT HOLDS THAT RECORD. DRUM ROLL PLEASE…

7. World Record #2 MOST MASSIVE LIVING THINGS  Giant Sequoia Trees  California also  Close relative to Redwoods  Not quite as tall (“only” 275 feet)

8. Also crazy big.

9. The BIGGEST Sequoia Tree of all? Drum roll please…

10. The “General Sherman”  275’ tall  103’ circumference at base!  Estimated at possibly over 6,000 TONS!!  Enough wood to build 40 houses!!!  About 2,500 years old!!!!  (Click on image for video - 3:05)

11. And the third world record held by conifers? Drum roll please…

12. World Record #3 OLDEST LIVING THING  Bristlecone Pines  Also in California!! (but not near the redwoods and sequoias)  Some estimated at almost 5000 years old!!  (Click on image for video – 3:50)

13. THREE world records, held by the humble and ancient conifers. Interesting that they are all in the United State, and all in California. Road trip!