Is Methuselah the world’s oldest tree?
Whether or not California’s Pinus longaeva – understandably named ‘Methuselah’ by an adoring public – is significant as the world’s most ancient tree is the source of some friction among academics. One lot claimed in 1957 the Great Basin bristlecone pine was 4789 years old at that time. That would’ve meant it germinated in 2833BC.
But a later attempt to verify Methuselah’s age went awry when it was found a vital core sample was missing, and in the absence of the sample the new estimate was a mere 4667 years old.
Either way, it’s a magnificent specimen which graces the arid landscape of Inyo National Forest in California at an altitude of around 3000m.
The tree’s longevity is credited to harsh weather and a lack of nutrients which slow down the decaying process.
There’s no evidence to support the assertion Methuselah may have held a treehouse in which Keith Richards and Willy Nelson rehearsed as teenagers.
