This 10,000-Year-Old Spruce Found in Sweden is Believed to be The World's Oldest Tree

By | September 15, 2016

Back in 2008, a team of researchers led by Leif Kullman, professor of Physical Geography at Sweden's Umeaa University, found the world's oldest tree - a spruce that took root shortly after the Ice Age 10,000 years ago.

Researchers used carbon-14 dating to determine the age of the tree. They believe it may have taken root in about 7,542 BC on Fulu mountain in Dalarna province. Professor Kullman named the tree “Old Tjikko,” after his Siberian husky.

The visible portion of the spruce was comparatively new, but analysis of four "generations" of remains - cones and wood - found underneath its crown showed its root system had been growing for 9,550 years.

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Photo: Karl Brodowsky

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Photo: Leif Kullman

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Photo: Carkrull

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Photo: Patrik Qvist

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Photo: IBL/Rex Features

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Photo: Petter Rybäck

H/T Dailymail