This tree might be the oldest living plant in Europe

Researchers have found the oldest plant in Europe. it is the Bosnian pine (Pinus heldreichii), which is more than 1,075 years old. The analysis confirmed its age, so it’s unique case, say the dendrologists. In fact, the individual Bosnian pines themselves are usually just a few hundred years old.

Researchers from Stockholm University and Mainz University revealed the place where the oldest plant in Europe grows. In the highlands of northern Greece they’ve found the unique plant Bosnian pine, which is more than 1,075 years old. The analysis showed its age, the pine is genetically identical to the collectively ancient trees connected to the same root system.

Paul J. Krusic, one of the researchers, who had to extract cores from which to count growth rings, said:

“The tree we have stumbled across is a unique individual… The tree we have stumbled across is a unique individual. We actually didn’t reach the center of the pine.”