A recent scientific discovery has left the world in awe – the unearthing of an ancient Patagonian cypress tree in Chile, affectionately known as the ‘Great-Grandfather.’ This magnificent tree, with a trunk that spans four meters in width, is believed to be the oldest living tree on Earth, shattering the existing record by a staggering 600 years. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of this living legend.
The Patagonian cypress, scientifically known as Fitzroya cupressoides, is a native tree found in the pristine landscapes of Chile and Argentina. It shares a family lineage with the colossal giant redwoods. In 2020, Baričević endeavored to extract a core sample from the Great-Grandfather but was thwarted by the tree’s impenetrable core. Instead, computer models were employed to deduce its age, accounting for environmental variables and random fluctuations.
Due to the inaccessibility of the Great-Grandfather’s core, an exact count of its rings to ascertain its age has proven elusive. While this hinders the tree’s formal recognition, Baričević is determined to rectify this in the forthcoming months. If validated, this ancient Patagonian cypress would claim the title of the world’s oldest tree, eclipsing Methuselah, the renowned Great Basin bristlecone pine residing in California, by a remarkable 600 years.
Meet Methuselah, the reigning champion of age in the world of trees. A venerable Great Basin bristlecone pine, Methuselah boasts an awe-inspiring age of 4,853 years. Nestled high in the White Mountains of Inyo County in California, it has weathered countless seasons. Despite the protection afforded by the cool and moist environment of the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Methuselah faces potential threats from well-meaning visitors circumnavigating its trunk and the droughts wrought by global warming.
The grandeur of the Alerce Mileenario is a testament to its strength and beauty, but it stands as a poignant reminder of the pressing need for forest conservation. Even though nearly 93% of Chile’s landscapes are veiled by water-dependent eucalyptus plantations and non-indigenous pine trees, the country has witnessed the loss of over 780,000 hectares of native forests between 1973 and 2011. This vividly underscores the urgency of protecting the Great-Grandfather and its wilderness companions from the impact of human activity.
In the heart of Patagonia, an ancient giant, the Great-Grandfather, endures in silent majesty. It is a testament to nature’s resilience and the profound beauty of the world’s oldest living being. As we celebrate the awe-inspiring discovery of this venerable tree, let us also reflect on the vital importance of preserving our planet’s rich natural heritage for generations to come. The Great-Grandfather stands as a living legend and a guardian of time, reminding us of the ancient stories etched into its towering bark.
Although almost 93% of the area is covered by water-thirsty eucalyptus plantations and non-native pine trees, there has been a loss of over 780,000 hectares of native forest in Chile between 1973 and 2011. It is our sincere hope that Great-Grandfather and other wilderness counterparts will survive human activity.
