The
genus Metasequoia
Monotypic genus. Deciduous tree, not unlike Taxodium, with long and short shoots. The leaves, which are opposite, and the short shoots are shed.
(B)
Metasequoia glyptostroboides, Hu & Chen
Dawn Redwood
Native in Szechan, China, where it grows to a height of over 100 feet. First discovered in 1945, and seed, collected in 1947, germinated in this country in 1948. Similar conifers were well-known as fossils in Mesozoic rocks and until the discovery of Metasequoia were believed to have been extinct for many million years. The seedlings in many parts of this country are growing well. The bark of young trees is reddish, and of old trees dark grey, fissured and peeling. The cones (not yet produced on cultivated trees) are said to be small, pendulous and with decussate scales.