In the Mediterranean Mountains, Some Sessile Oaks Can Live for a Millennium
Author(s)
Date Issued
2021
Type
article
Volume
102
Issue
1
Abstract
For a long time, majestic oaks have been considered a symbol of longevity. This study proves that a millennium horizon is an attainable age in angiosperms growing at a high‐elevation belt in the Mediterranean mountains of South Italy. Radiocarbon dating of five large and potentially old sessile oaks from Aspromonte National Parks revealed a common long life span ranging from 934 ± 65 to 570 ± 45 years. With its very slow mean annual radial growth (0.4 mm/year) and smallest diameter among the sampled trees, Demeter (pictured) confirms the growth–longevity trade‐off in the evolution and expression of life‐history traits and the importance of cliff environments for a long life.