The oldest tree species in the world is the Great Basin bristlecone pine, with Methuselah being the oldest tree of the species at over 4,800 years old. The longevity of the Great Basin bristlecone pine can be attributed to its ability to withstand various weather conditions, including intense winds, snow, and rain. The unique, twisted shape of the tree comes from its adaptation to these weather conditions.
The oldest Great Basin bristlecone pine, Methuselah, is believed to be 4,856 years old, according to Guinness World Records. The tree’s ability to withstand harsh weather, along with its unique growth patterns, contributes to its longevity. The roots of the tree feed the sections of the tree directly above them, allowing only the sections fed by a particular root to die if that root dies.
The Great Basin bristlecone pine is a rare species found in California, Nevada, and Utah. Parks such as Great Basin National Park in Nevada and Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah are home to these ancient trees. Visitors can explore groves of Great Basin bristlecone pines on various hiking trails in these parks and witness the natural beauty of these ancient trees.
The oldest Great Basin bristlecone pine, Methuselah, was discovered in 1957 by researcher Edmund Schulman. The tree’s age was determined by taking core samples and counting rings, a common method used to determine the age of trees. The oldest tree before Methuselah, Prometheus, was chopped down in 1964 by geographer Donald R. Currey for research purposes.
Despite its age, Methuselah’s exact location in the Inyo National Forest remains undisclosed by the U.S. Forest Service to protect the tree. This ancient tree serves as a symbol of resilience and longevity, withstanding millennia of environmental changes and remaining a testament to the enduring power of nature. The discovery and preservation of the Great Basin bristlecone pine species highlight the importance of conservation efforts to protect these ancient trees for future generations to admire and study.
