2 days ago
Green legends
Trees are the planet's oldest living beings. Believe or not, some of them have been standing since before the ancient civilisations found in our history books. Here's a glimpse into three of the world's oldest and three of India's oldest known trees. Isn't it amazing that these magnificent trees have been silent witnesses to the sweeping changes of centuries?
Elders of the World
Methuselah, the U.S.
Hidden in California's White Mountains, the Methuselah is a bristlecone pine that is said to be over 4850 years old. To keep the world's oldest known tree safe, its exact location is kept secret.
Sarv-e Abarqu, Iran
Also known as the Zorastrian Sarv, this cypress is estimated to be 4,000 years old, making it, perhaps, the oldest tree in Asia. However, legend has it that the tree was planted by Prophet Zoraster, founder of Zorastrianism, who lived in Persia in the sicth century BCE.
Llangernyw Yew, Wales
An ancient yew tree that is said to be between 4,000 and 5,000 years old, it finds a place in Welsh mythology, where it is linked to a spirit called Angelystor.
Fun Fact: A spruce tree in Sweden called the Old Tjikko holds the record for the world's oldest known cloned tree. Although its trunk is young, its roots are about 10,000 years old.
Elders of India
Pillalamari, Telangana
Also known as the Peerlalamari (the saint's banyan), this banyan is said to be 800 years old. Its large network of prop roots make it appear like a family with many children; hence the name Pillalamari meaning the children's banyan.
Siddhvari, Uttar Pradesh
In 2023, the Botanical Survey of India announced that this is the oldest scientifically dated banyan of the world. Through a method called carbon-dating, the tree was estimated to be 500 years old. Locals worship it and believe it has existed since the Mahabharata.
Thimmamma Marrimanu, Andhra Pradesh
Spread over five acres, this 550-year-old banyan makes it to the Guinness Book of World Records as a tree with the largest canopy. It is said nearly 20,000 people can stand underneath it. It is also connected to local folklore and beliefs.
Fun fact: The Great Banyan of Kolkata is, perhaps, the most famous banyan of India and is estimated to be 250 years old. The Mahabodhi in Bodh Gaya is a peepal tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment 2,500 years ago. The tree standing today was grown from a cutting of the original.
