The ‘Heaven Sword’ of Taiwan: How scientists found East Asia’s tallest known tree hidden in ancient forests

Researchers have discovered East Asia’s tallest known tree, an 84.1-meter Taiwania cypress nicknamed the “Heaven Sword of the Daan River,” in Taiwan’s remote mountains. This remarkable find, the result of a decade-long scientific effort using LiDAR and on-ground surveys, highlights the island’s ancient forests and their rich biodiversity.