Granit oak

The Granit oak (in Bulgarian: Гранитски дъб) is an English (Pedunculate) oak tree that grows within the boundaries of Granit village, Bulgaria. This may be the oldest living oak tree in the world.

The oak measures 2.38 m in diameter and 7.46 m in girth at waist level and reaches 23.4 m in height, but only eastern side branches remain alive. In March 1982 samples were taken with a pressler drill, from which it was estimated that the tree was 1637 years old. With an estimated germination date of 345 AD, it is the oldest tree in Bulgaria and one of the oldest in Europe.

In 1967 the Granit oak was declared a protected tree and included in the list of the natural monuments of Bulgaria.[1]

In 2010 the oak was featured prominently in a documentary "Live Eternity" (in Bulgarian: Жива Вечност).[2]

Comment: With a girth of only 7.46 m this pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) is unlikely to be older than 500-600 years. The age here given as 1637 years far exceeds the possible ages of the largest oaks in Europe with girths between 12.00 and 14.00 m. None can be determined with accuracy as all are hollow, but the oldest are possibly 800-1000 years only.

Aljos Farjon Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew 16 June 2014

References

  1. ↑ Register of Centuries Old Trees, Bulgarian Ministry of Environment and Waters
  2. ↑ Vanyo Stoilov, The Oldest Tree in Europe is Slowly Dying, 24 Chassa Daily, 20 November 2011. (In Bulgarian)

See also

Gallery


Coordinates: 42°15′15″N 25°08′10″E / 42.254067°N 25.136080°E / 42.254067; 25.136080

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