Paying our respects to the Earths Elders
Updated: Apr 6, 2022
Pinus aristata. The oldest living tree on Earth. Commonly known as the Bristlecone Pine, and given the individual name Methuselah after someone in the Bible who had the longest lifespan recorded.
This Pinus aristata 'Methuselah' is estimated to have been alive for 4800 years.
Each callice, twist and knot in the development of this ancient Ent is a result of exposure to around 4800 Summers and 4800 winters.
It must have germinated around the same time human civilisation was developing in Mesopotamia.
On reflection of this, humanity seems somewhat insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
Yet ironically our affect on the environment over an even shorter span of time is undoubtedly a significant one. Will we go extinct because of our actions? The whole timespan of our civilisations evolution outlived by a solitary pine...
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