Oldest Tree Discovered in Sweden
posted in Amazing Facts |The world’s oldest living tree, a conifer, was discovered in Sweden. It took root at the end of the Ice Age, according to researchers. The 13 foot tall "Christmas" tree is not all that ancient, but its root has been taking shape for 9,550 years.
The team of researchers led by Leif Kullman, a professor of ecology and environment at the University of Umea in Sweden claims that it is the longest lived identified plant of the planet. Its longevity is on account of its ability to clone itself. The lifespan of the spruce’s trunks or stems is 600 years old, which is the reason for the longevity of life of the tree.
The Norway spruce was used to decorate European houses during Christmas. It would be difficult to discover trees older than 9,550 years because Sweden was covered by ice-sheets till last Ice Age.
This discovery proves that deglaciation in Sweden had taken place much earlier than thought of. The ice sheets during the Ice Age might have been much thinner than what was believed.
Also the discovery of the tree will help scientists to study how plants will respond to present climatic changes.
Source : National Geographic