Etymology: from Greek meta, and sequoia, which it resembles.
Origin: China. It was discovered only in the 1940s. The Chinese peasants knew this tree and used its branches as provender for the animals.
Habitat: humid middle.
Height: 15-30 m tall.
Smooth, red-brown bark, peeling off strap-like fibrous.
Shape: of a pyramid, ascending branches.
Deciduous foliage: flat, soft needles, of light green colour, disposed in opposition. In hot summer, they fall prematurely, and if it is raining enough, a second shoot arrives before autumn.

Fruit 2 cm, pedunculate, ovoid, scales peltate (shield-shaped).