#ARCTIC. #SIBERIA. THIS IS TAIMYR. Dendrochronologists from Russia, Denmark, Italy, and Germany have uncovered a remarkable juniper tree in the Arctic region of northern Finland, estimated to be 1647 years old, according to the press service of the Ural Federal University.
The age of these plants is assessed by counting their annual rings using cross-dating methods. Researchers analyze the ring patterns across multiple specimens, as some may display false rings while others may lack them altogether. In total, scientists evaluated the age of nearly two thousand common juniper bushes spanning from Greenland to the Polar Urals.
The oldest specimen was found in northern Finland, where researchers also identified four additional bushes that have lived for over a thousand years. Furthermore, two more living bushes over a thousand years old were discovered in northern Sweden.
Understanding the age of the common juniper is essential for gaining insights into the history of this species, its survival strategies, and for formulating effective conservation measures.
In related news, the floristic collection of the Taimyr region has recently been enriched with new plant discoveries.
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Text: Angelica Stepanova, Photo: Nikolay Shchipko
