Oldest Plants around the World

Bonsai trees, which are of Japanese origin, date back to about 6th century BCE and are considered to be one of the oldest forms of trees. Let’s have a look at few of the oldest plants around the world.

Age: 1000+ Years Old
Location: Parabiago, Italy

Ficus retusa Linn is found at the Crespi Bonsai Museum located in Italy and is considered to be the ancient surviving bonsai tree in the world with an estimated age of 1,000 years. This tree had formerly been taken care of and fashioned by the Chinese masters. During its initial years in Italy, it was taken care of by Japanese bonsai Chief Shotaro Kawahara. Since then, Crespi and Lavazza have been maintaining the tree. In 1991, the Crespi Bonsai Museum was established and the tree was positioned in a glass showcase and soon turned into the heart of the museum.

2. Juniper Bonsai Tree

Age: 1000 Years Old
Location: Omiya, Japan

The 1,000 year old Juniper bonsai tree is situated in the Mansei-en bonsai nursery which is maintained by the Kato family. The Juniper tree was unruffled from the wildernesses of Japan and tests revealed it to be over 1,000 years old.

3. Bonsai Trees at Shunkaen Nursery

Age: 800 Years Old
Location: Tokyo, Japan

Shunkaen Bonsai Musuem is owned and managed by Kunio Kobayashi. The museum is home to two of the most ancient bonsai trees in the world, both of which are projected to be over 800 years old. Kobayashi opened the museum in 2002 with the aim to help spread Japanese culture and particularly the art of creating bonsai trees.

4. Red Pine Bonsai

Age: 600 Years Old
Location: Atami, Japan

The red pine bonsai is assumed to be the biggest bonsai tree in the world and is located at the Akao Herb & Rose Garden. This tree is about 16 feet in height and approximately 30 feet in width. Although its mass is unusual for a bonsai tree, the red pine bonsai still meets the requirements of a bonsai tree as it is confined in a pot.

Age: 500 Years Old
Location: Tokyo, Japan

The Sandai Shogun no Matsu is considered to be one of the National Treasures of Japan and is a five-needle pine. It is estimated to be over 500 years old and is named after Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu who had this tree when it was by that time about 200 years old and ever since, the bonsai has been handed down from generation to generation. Presently, the Sandai Shogun no Matsu is exhibited in the Tokyo Imperial Palace collection.