The Heldreich pine tree that grows in Southern Italy, is known to be 1230 years old. This makes it the oldest tree in Europe.
According to a report published in the journal Ecology, this ancient pine tree seems to be in its old age. Nevertheless, the results suggest that the tree experienced a high growth spurt over the last few decades. In fact, the number of trees in other Mediterranean regions decreased.
This study also shows that this oldest tree, can survive for several centuries despite exposure to extreme climate change. For example, the ancient pine can grow in the cold period of the middle ages, and survive when the climate warms (including when experiencing periods of drought).
Analyzing the growth of the Heldreich pine, helping scientists understand how forests respond to climate change today.
"Studying trees more than 100 years old is useful for predicting the impact of climate change on future forest ecosystems," said Maxime Cailleret of Switzerland's Federal Institute for Forests, Snow and Landscape Research.
Turns to dust
Gianluca Piovesan and colleagues from the University of Tuscia, discovered Heldreich pines on steep and rocky mountains in Pollino National Park, Southern Italy.
Looking at the very old tree, the researchers realized that it is very difficult to know its age. The middle part of which contains a tree ring, has been lost.
"The inside of the pine is like dust. Approximately there is about 20 centimeters of the missing piece of wood. We've never seen anything like this before, "said one member of the research team, Alfredo Di Filippo.
According to researchers, this oldest tree, could survive for several centuries despite exposure to extreme climate change.
However, the roots of the tree are in good condition. The researcher then decided to reveal his age by combining new and old methods.
The radiocarbon sample from its open root allows the researchers to determine when the tree begins to grow. The research team is also capable of cross-linking growth time between tree ring samples on stems and roots.
Timeless tree
According to the researchers, global warming has not been a threat to the rare trees in the world. Although some of them fall due to drought and heat waves, but this old pine managed to survive - even thrives.
The results show, after surviving with small tree rings for several centuries, wider rings grew in the last two decades. It shows better environmental conditions.
The reason why pine remains fertile amid quite complex climate change. However, one reason is: the high mountains have their own microclimate so the temperature stays cool.
In addition, Piovesan and his team suspect, a decrease in air pollution - after enacted environmental policies in Europe - also plays an important role.
Furthermore, the unique biology of this old pine tree can help it survive. Unlike animals, aging does not occur in trees. That said, the Heldreich pine is an immortal tree.
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