Prometheus Tree - The oldest tree in the world



The cut stump of the Prometheus tree

Prometheus tree was the oldest known non-clonal organism, a Great Basin Bristlecone Pine (Pinus longaeva) tree growing near the tree line on Wheeler Peak in eastern Nevada, United States. The tree, which was at least 4862 years old and possibly more than 5000 years, was cut down in 1964 by a graduate student and United States Forest Service personnel for research purposes. The name of the tree refers to the mythological figure Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods and gave it to man.

Cutting down of Prometheus was an important factor in the movement to protect bristlecones and the Wheeler Peak groves in particular. There had been a movement to protect the mountain and contiguous areas in a national park before the incident, and 22 years later the area gained national park status.

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