These seeds are packed with all the genetic material needed to develop into the oldest type of organism on the planet, a bristlecone pine tree. Bristlecone pines are a group of 3 species of pine trees that can live for thousands of years. The oldest confirmed, non-clonal organism on the planet is a 4,850 year old bristlecone pine called Methuselah, and its exact location in California is kept secret. The oldest known non-living tree was also a bristlecone pine, called Prometheus, that was accidentally cut down in 1964 at 4,900 years old. Dendroclimatologists depend on these ancient trees’ rings to provide the longest continual climate record. Bristlecone pine thrives in harsh environments, especially rocky soil, with high winds and no rainfall. This typically limits them to high altitudes where they don’t have to compete with other plants. Keep this in mind when finding your tree a home. Bristlecone pine wood is resistant to rot and insects. This means trees can continue to stand for centuries after they’ve died and even erode from water and wind like stone. *Glass vial and cork not included
