Europe's oldest tree 1647 years old discovered in Lapland: what makes it unique
The oldest tree in Europe is a 1647-year-old juniper. It grows in Finnish Lapland at a distance of 2747 miles from Rome.
This juniper survived the Roman Empire, which may seem surprising, because oaks or pines are usually considered long-lived trees. However, its trunk is only 10 centimeters in diameter. This was reported by Express.
The discovery was made by forest ecologist Marco Carrer from the University of Padua. The study showed that the tree is not only the oldest in Europe, but has existed since 378 AD, despite the difficult conditions.
Previously, it was believed that the oldest tree in Europe was about 1200 years old. A new discovery shows that the real record holder is almost 500 years older.
Usually, such long-lived plants have a strong trunk and a developed root system. However, this small juniper has been able to survive for centuries despite extreme weather conditions, lack of nutrients and climate change.
Scientists determined the age of the tree and its growth characteristics by analyzing tree rings and using modern technologies, said Angela Louise Prendin, co-author of the study.
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