A Fact A Day # 5

Today we have a list of the top 5 oldest-living trees in the world. First let us see how the 'age' of a particular tree is measured.

THE BRISTLECONE PINE

Basically, the oldest trees are determined by Growth Rings, which can be seen if the tree is cut down or in cores taken from the edge to the centre of the tree. Trees which generally occur in seasonal climates have distinct growth rings and accurate determination of age is possible in this case. Trees in uniform non-seasonal tropical climates do not have distinct growth rings. A method of estimation has been proposed by White through the correlation between a tree's stem diameter, growth character and age.

The top 5 oldest trees in the world: (names are not given in Latin)

1. The Great Bristlecone Pine which lives for about 4,844 years.

2. Alerce which lives for about 3,622 years.

3. Giant Sequioa which lives for about 3,266 years.

4. Sugi which lives for about 3,000 years.

5. Huon-Pine which lives for about 2,500 years.