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5 Oldest Trees In The World And Where They Are Found

Published

1 year ago

December 21, 2024

Trees are more than just a component of our surroundings; they are quiet reminders of our planet’s past. Consider a tree that has endured innumerable storms, survived the rise and fall of civilisations, and is still thriving today. These old trees are living memories that provide us with important historical context and a special link to the past.

These trees, which range from lone survival on isolated mountaintops to vast forests bound together by a single root system, teach us the value of conservation, adaptability, and resilience.

Here are the 5 oldest trees in the world and where they are found.

1. Pando (The Trembling Giant)

Pando, a remarkable clonal colony of quaking aspens (Populus tremuloides) in Utah’s Fishlake National Forest, is more than simply a single tree. Pando, which is said to be about 80,000 years old, covers more than 106 acres and shares a single, enormous underground root system. Technically, it is a single organism that is constantly renewing itself, even if it appears to be a forest of separate trees.

2. The Jurupa Oak

The clonal shrub known as the Jurupa Oak grows in the dry hills of Riverside County, California, in the United States. More than 13,000 years old, this hardy tree survives in a harsh climate. In contrast to tall trees, the Jurupa Oak grows as a low, sprawling bush and reproduces by cloning itself. It can recover and endure despite droughts, wildfires, and other adverse circumstances thanks to this technique. Its extraordinary longevity is evidence of nature’s adaptability.

3. Old Tjikko

The Norway spruce (Picea abies), known as Old Tjikko, which is situated atop Sweden’s Fulufjället Mountain, is roughly 9,558 years old. The tree’s root system is around 10,000 years old, although the visible portion is only 600 years old. Old Tjikko is a non-clonal tree that has survived by vegetative cloning for thousands of years as a single organism. This tree has survived the years by shedding and growing back its trunk, which is part of its survival strategy, and it is a living reminder of the post-Ice Age world.

4. Alerce Milenario (Gran Abuelo)

The Alerce Milenario, also known as “Gran Abuelo,” stands tall as a reminder of the passage of time deep within Chile’s Alerce Costero National Park. Over 5,400 years old, this Patagonian cypress (Fitzroya cupressoides) is an essential component of its ecosystem. Its yearly growth rings give researchers insight into the climate of the past. However, this exquisite tree is seriously threatened by illegal logging and deforestation, which highlights the need for conservation efforts.

5. Llangernyw Yew

The Llangernyw Yew, situated in the churchyard of St. Digain’s Church in Wales, UK, is a living connection to the distant past. This ancient yew (Taxus baccata) is thought to be around 4,000 years old and has seen the shift from Celtic to Christian customs. It has a mysterious atmosphere because of its hollow and gnarled trunk, and it is a symbol of endurance and resiliency in local history and culture.

These trees are living symbols of history, resiliency, and the wonders of nature; they are much more than just plants. Each of these old trees, from the legendary Llangernyw Yew to the expansive Pando colony, provides a window into the past.
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Coup: Guinea-Bissau Junta Releases Six Held Opposition Politicians

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1 day ago

December 24, 2025

Editor

Guinea-Bissau’s ruling junta on Tuesday released six members of the political opposition who had been detained since a coup last month.

The six freed opposition members are said to be close associates of Domingos Simoes Pereira, head of the PAIGC party that led the country to independence in 1974.

Pereira has been in custody since the coup.

In a statement by the High Military Command, the junta’s governing body, the releases are described as a sign of good faith and a step towards the return to constitutional normality and respect for international rights.

The army seized power on 26 November after ousting outgoing President Umaro Sissoco Embalo in the wake of a presidential vote.

After taking over, the military suspended the electoral process and announced it would take control of the West African country for a period of one year.

Recall that another opposition candidate, Fernando Dias, took refuge in Nigeria’s embassy, which granted him asylum, while Embalo fled the country after being briefly detained by the military at the time of the coup.

Meanwhile, Senegal’s Foreign Minister, Cheikh Niang, led a delegation to Guinea-Bissau, where he met with detained opponents and requested their release.

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7 Territories Still Under Colonial Rule

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1 day ago

December 24, 2025

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Even though most nations became independent in the last century, some territories are still ruled by other nations.

Contents
1. Western Sahara
2. Guam
3. American Samoa
4. United States Virgin Islands
5. Falkland Islands / Malvinas
6. Gibraltar
7. Bermuda

Many of them remain on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories, meaning they have not completed the process of decolonization. These places usually depend on bigger countries for laws, passports, defence, or political control.

In this article, Nigerian Tribune highlights 7 territories still under colonial rule:

1. Western Sahara

Western Sahara remains one of the world’s biggest unresolved colonial issues. Morocco controls most of the territory, but the Polisario Front wants independence for the Sahrawi people. The UN is still trying to help both sides agree on a peaceful solution.

2. Guam

Guam is an important US territory in the Pacific, used heavily for American military operations. The US oversees its defence and foreign relations.

People living there are US citizens, but they cannot vote in presidential elections and do not have full representation in Congress.

3. American Samoa

American Samoa has more local control than Guam, but the United States still decides immigration, defence, and foreign affairs.

Residents are considered US nationals and must apply if they want full citizenship.

4. United States Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands have their own legislature, but the United States makes major constitutional and political decisions. The territory depends heavily on US federal support.

5. Falkland Islands / Malvinas

The Falkland Islands remain controlled by the United Kingdom (UK), but Argentina has long disputed this claim, having been in control of the Islands for a few years before 1833.

The people living there voted strongly to stay British, yet the sovereignty dispute continues to appear in the UN.

6. Gibraltar

Gibraltar sits at the Southern tip of Spain. The United Kingdom controls it, but Spain insists the territory belongs to them.

Gibraltarians have repeatedly voted in favour of remaining British, but the dispute is still discussed within the UN Decolonisation Committee.

7. Bermuda

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory situated in the North Atlantic Ocean. Although it manages most of its own internal affairs and enjoys a strong economy with modern facilities, the United Kingdom still handles its defence and represents it in global matters.

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Russia-Ukraine War: Pope Leo Calls For Global Christmas Truce

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1 day ago

December 24, 2025

Editor

Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday renewed his call for a global truce on Christmas Day, saying he felt “great sadness” after Russia “apparently rejected a request” for a pause in fighting.

Speaking to reporters at his residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome, the Pope urged all sides involved in conflict to observe at least one day of peace.

“I am renewing my request to all people of goodwill to respect a day of peace — at least on the feast of the birth of our Saviour,” Leo said.

Recall that Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and has repeatedly turned down calls for a ceasefire, arguing that any pause would give Ukraine a military advantage.

“Among the things that cause me great sadness is the fact that Russia has apparently rejected a request for a truce,” the pope said.

Referring to conflicts worldwide, Leo added, “I hope they will listen and there will be 24 hours of peace in the whole world.”

The appeal came as fighting continued in eastern Ukraine. On Tuesday, Ukrainian forces withdrew from a town after heavy battles with Russian troops. Russian strikes killed three civilians and left thousands without power during winter temperatures.

There was no indication of progress toward ending the war after separate meetings last weekend in Miami between the United States officials and negotiators from Russia and Ukraine. The conflict is nearing four years with no settlement in sight.

Earlier this month, Pope Leo met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. When asked whether he would accept Zelensky’s invitation to visit Ukraine, the pope said, “I hope so,” while noting that it was not possible to say when such a visit could happen.

Leo also warned that efforts to secure peace without European diplomatic involvement were “unrealistic”, expressing optimism that President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan could bring a “huge change” to the transatlantic alliance.