Researchers in Chile have made a remarkable discovery – a colossal Patagonian cypress tree that could potentially claim the esteemed title of being the oldest living tree on our planet. Dubbed the Great-Grandfather, this ancient giant boasts an incredible diameter of four meters, surpassing the existing record holder by a staggering 600 years.
In a fascinating recent study, researchers delved into the intriguing world of the coniferous tree, affectionately referred to as Alerce Milenario in Spanish. Leading the charge was Jónathan Barichivich, an esteemed scientist hailing from Chile. Together with his team at the esteemed Climate and Environmental Sciences Laboratory in Paris, they conducted a groundbreaking investigation. Astonishingly, their research unveiled that the venerable Alerce Milenario could potentially boast an ancient age of approximately 5,484 years. This stunning revelation surpasses the previous estimations by at least 600 years, signifying the remarkable resilience and longevity of this majestic tree.
In a recent article by The Guardian, Maisa Rojas, the Environment Minister of Chile and a prominent member of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, expressed her admiration for a remarkable scientific revelation.
It is fascinating to discover the close connection between the massive redwoods and the Patagonian cypress, also known as Fitzroya cupressoides. The Patagonian cypress is an indigenous tree found in Argentina and Chile. In 2020, Baričević attempted to collect a sample from the Great-Grandfather tree, but unfortunately, his drilling equipment was unable to reach its core. As a solution, he turned to computer models to analyze various factors like environmental conditions and unpredictable variations in order to estimate the tree’s age.
Barićhivić, unfortunately, has been unable to accurately calculate the tree’s age by counting its rings, which has prevented him from sharing an estimated age in any scientific publication. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic about rectifying this situation in the near future.
If these results are confirmed, Milepani, the alert tree, would surpass the age of Methuselah, a serene pine tree in California that holds the title of the world’s oldest tree at 4,853 years old, by an impressive 600 years.
Introducing Methuselah, an extraordinary Great Basin bristlecone pine tree that proudly claims the prestigious title of being the oldest tree in existence. Nestled high up in the enchanting White Mountains of Inyo County, California, this legendary tree has gracefully withstood the test of time for a remarkable 4,853 years. Within the captivating Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, a sanctuary teeming with vibrant mosses, lichens, and an array of flourishing plants nestled among its crevices, Methuselah finds solace and protection. Unfortunately, this venerable tree’s existence hangs in the balance, threatened by the footfalls of curious visitors who wander close to its majestic trunk and the severe droughts amplified by the ominous effects of global warming, as stated by Barichivich.
The awe-inspiring Alerce Mileenario stands tall with pride, showcasing its immense power and beauty. Captured in a breathtaking photograph by Faoch, this majestic tree is a symbol of Chile’s natural wonders. The southern part of the country is home to vast logging plantations, covering over 2.3 million hectares, as reported by the Chilean Forestry Institute. The cellulose manufacturing industry holds significant importance in Chile.
Despite the dominance of non-native pine trees and water-thirsty eucalyptus plantations, which make up approximately 93% of the country’s forests, Chile has sadly witnessed a loss of more than 780,000 hectares of natural forest since 1973. Amidst these challenging circumstances, we fervently hope that Great-Grandfather and other pristine wilderness areas will endure against the pressures of human activity.