The Bristlecone Pine

Again, the Bristlecone Pine Tree is not revered by any culture as sanctified or something of a blessed nature. However, this tree is known to have the capability to exist in excess of 5,000 years.

It could perhaps be labelled as the “immortal tree” simply because of its longevity. You might think that the long-life span is because it thrives in the most comforting places, but that is a myth.

Bristlecone pines grow in places with high altitude, almost 10,000 feet to be exact. Temperatures can also reach below freezing point. This is just one reason why it is bestowed with such mythical proportions. Humans and some animals are also capable of existing in places with such extreme climate, however, Bristlecone pines are known not only to survive the coldest of temperatures but also to surpass their own survival rate.

This type of tree is extremely resistant to all natural invasions that may cause all other species of trees to rot such as fungi and insects. In fact, they are believed to still be rooted on the ground and can live for hundreds of years even if they become somewhat biologically dead. The oldest of the Bristlecone Pine trees ever discovered, was believed to have amazingly existed for 5,062 years and counting.

“Methuselah” is the name given to another one which was discovered in the White Mountains which is believed to have lived for 4,843 years. The third tree which was nicknamed “Prometheus” is said to have existed for about 4,862 years and was cut down by a geologist looking for physical proof of Ice Age glaciers.