How Fast Is Tree Growth (vertical)?

A fast-growing tree adds about 2 metres of height per year — that's 6 nanometres every second. The Royal Empress, one of the world's quickest, can add up to 4.5 metres in a single growing season.

The fastest tree on Earth, the Royal Empress, can outgrow a 5-year-old child every summer.

• 3× faster than crystal growth
• Still 200× slower than the fastest bamboo