In the heart of a lush southern Chilean forest, an arboreal marvel named the “Great Grandfather” stands tall, ready to rewrite the record books as the oldest living tree on Earth. With a colossal trunk measuring four meters in diameter and towering at 28 meters, this ancient giant not only commands attention but holds within its rings a scientific treasure trove revealing the planet’s historical resilience against climatic changes.
Believed to have thrived for over 5,000 years, the Great Grandfather is on the verge of surpassing Methuselah, the current record holder residing in California, United States, aged at 4,850 years. This monumental Fitzroya cypress, a testament to nature’s endurance, captivates researchers and draws global attention for its potential to unveil Earth’s climatic narrative over millennia.
Situated on the precipice of a ravine in the southern Los Rios region, this ancient giant, also known as the Patagonian cypress, is the largest tree species in South America. As tourists flock to capture a moment with the soon-to-be-recognized world’s oldest tree, Chile increases park rangers and regulates access to protect the Great Grandfather’s sacred space, contrasting with the secrecy surrounding Methuselah’s exact location.
Discovered in 1972 by park warden Anibal Henriquez, the Great Grandfather’s existence was kept confidential to prevent exploitation. In 2020, scientists extracted a sample, estimating its age at 2,400 years. Using a predictive model, they project the tree’s age to be around 5,000 years, reshaping our understanding of ancient trees and their contributions to Earth’s ecological tapestry.
As the Great Grandfather inches closer to claiming the title of the world’s oldest living tree, the scientific community awaits the unveiling of its chronicles. Beyond the accolade, this ancient giant stands as a symbol of nature’s resilience, urging us to safeguard these living witnesses of Earth’s history.
