How old could the oldest living tree be? Could it be 300 years? Or maybe 1000 years?
The more biologists study our planet, the older trees they discover which push this limit ever further. Until recently, the tree in the photo, the Methuselah tree (Pinus Longaeva) allegedly 4849 years old, thriving in California mountain area, was considered the oldest tree.
Later, another, even older Pinus Longaeva – the oldest tree in the world – was discovered, which has lived for 5066 years.
This is a very resistant, although endangered species, accustomed to harsh conditions. It populates high-altitude landscapes, arid soils and rocks, in dry, windy and severe climates, with a minimal amount of precipitation. These are regions where other species are unable to survive.
It has a much-branched, shallow root system and grows slowly, and fierce winds and other calamities throughout hundreds and thousands of years force these trees to take on rather unusual forms.
The exact locations of the two oldest specimens are kept under wraps in order for the trees to remain protected and live longer.
M.Đ.