The Sequoia is a conifer originally from California, famous for its impressive dimensions that make it the tallest tree in the world. It is also extremely long-lived, so much so as to reach 2000 years of age. Its name derives from Sequojah, an American native who invented an alphabet with which the Cherokees could hand down their legends and print books and newspapers in their own language. The Sequoia was introduced in Europe since the nineteenth century, as an ornamental species for parks and gardens. 