Santiago, Chile — January 27, 2026
Scientists in Chile have officially confirmed the existence of what is now believed to be the world’s oldest living tree, dating back nearly 5,500 years. The ancient tree, known as “Great Grandfather” or “Alerce Milenario,” stands inside Alerce Costero National Park and is being hailed as a milestone discovery in Earth’s biological history.
According to Chile’s National Park Service, the confirmation marks a major breakthrough in understanding long-term climate patterns and the resilience of life on Earth.
Meet the ‘Great Grandfather’
The tree belongs to the Patagonian cypress species (Fitzroya cupressoides), one of the longest-living tree species on the planet. Towering quietly in southern Chile’s temperate rainforest, the Great Grandfather has survived dramatic climate shifts, earthquakes, and thousands of years of human history.
How Scientists Determined Its Age
Chilean climate scientist Jonathan Barichivich and his research team used a combination of traditional tree-ring analysis and advanced computer modeling to determine the tree’s age.
Their findings suggest the tree is between 5,400 and 5,500 years old, making it significantly older than Methuselah, the famous bristlecone pine in California previously considered the world’s oldest tree at 4,853 years.
Due to the tree’s enormous size, scientists were unable to drill all the way to its center to count every ring. Instead, they relied on statistical modeling to estimate the missing inner rings with high confidence.
A Giant of the Natural World
The Great Grandfather’s trunk measures more than 4 meters (over 13 feet) in diameter, highlighting its extraordinary longevity and growth. Its sheer size is one of the reasons modern analytical methods were required to confirm its age.
A Living Climate Time Capsule
Scientists describe the tree as a living time capsule. Its growth rings preserve detailed records of climate changes, prolonged droughts, and seismic activity spanning over five millennia.
Researchers believe this data could significantly improve understanding of long-term climate variability and global warming, offering rare insights into how ecosystems respond to extreme environmental changes.
Conservation Challenges Ahead
Following the announcement, scientists and conservationists have expressed concern that increased global attention could lead to a surge in tourism. To protect the tree, authorities have already installed protective barriers to prevent soil damage caused by foot traffic around its base.
Officials stress that careful management will be essential to preserve the tree for future generations.
A Witness to Human History
Remarkably, the Great Grandfather was already alive when humans invented the wheel and when construction of the Egyptian pyramids was just beginning. Its survival stands as a powerful symbol of nature’s endurance and resilience.
