Green legends

Featuring six ancient trees - three from across the world and three from India

Trees are the planet’s oldest living beings. Believe or not, some of them have been standing since before the ancient civilisations found in our history books. Here’s a glimpse into three of the world’s oldest and three of India’s oldest known trees. Isn’t it amazing that these magnificent trees have been silent witnesses to the sweeping changes of centuries?

Methuselah, the U.S.

Hidden in California’s White Mountains, the Methuselah is a bristlecone pine that is said to be over 4850 years old. To keep the world’s oldest known tree safe, its exact location is kept secret.

Sarv-e Abarqu, Iran

Also known as the Zorastrian Sarv, this cypress is estimated to be 4,000 years old, making it, perhaps, the oldest tree in Asia. However, legend has it that the tree was planted by Prophet Zoraster, founder of Zorastrianism, who lived in Persia in the sicth century BCE.

Llangernyw Yew, Wales

An ancient yew tree that is said to be between 4,000 and 5,000 years old, it finds a place in Welsh mythology, where it is linked to a spirit called Angelystor.