A planet existing for millions of years, the land on earth is a rich reservoir of some of the oldest natural beauty. While the majestic mountains are one thing that has stood tall all these years, there are trees that also have survived the test of time. Yes, you heard that right. There are various people around the world that are older than the human race and magnificent in their own way. So here are some of the oldest trees in the world.
Prometheus
The recorded scientific name of this tree is WPN-114, whereas the name Prometheus comes from a mythological figure known to have to be stolen fire from the gods and given it to man. It is the oldest known non-clonal organism, belonging to the category of Great Basin bristlecone pine tree. This tree grows near the tree line on Wheeler Peak in Nevada, United States. This tree is said to be over 5000 years old but was cut down in 1964 for research purposes.
Methuselah
As per a sample of the tree tested in 1957 the Methuselah tree was marked to be 4,789 years old. This is a 4,854-year-old Great Basin bristlecone pine tree. One can find this tree living in its natural habitat in the White Mountains of Inyo County in California. This tree derives its name from the biblical patriarch Methuselah, who lived till 969 years of age. Curious researchers sampling the tree rings pointed out precipitation patterns, which date back to 1983 BC.
Alerce Milenario
This is the largest tree located in Alerce Costero National Park, Chile. The Alerce Milenario tree is currently covered in lichens, and mosses and is estimated to have over 5000 rings. If one was to go by this estimate it would make the tree more than 100 years older. According to researchers, only about 28 percent are actually alive, most of which are in the roots. This brings us to the fact that when people are walking on the nearby soil, it is actively damaging the last remaining living parts of the tree.
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
This is a sacred bo – a native of the fig tree- tree situated in the Mahamewna Garden in the historical city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The legend surrounding the tree has it that it has grown from a cutting of the southern branch from the historical sacred bo tree, Sri Maha Bodhi, at Buddha Gaya in India, under which Siddhartha Gautama attained Enlightenment.
A few other oldest trees are BLK227 in North Carolina, United States; CB-90-11 in Central Colorado, United States; Panke Baobab, Zimbabwe; Bennett Juniper, Sierra Nevada, California; and SHP 7 in Sierra Nevada, California to name a few.
