The oldest Olive tree in Portugal,which estimated it to be 2,855 years old

Olive tree oldest in Portugal

An olive tree estimated to be over two millennia was this weekend certified as the oldest tree in Portugal, using an innovative method developed over two years by the Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro University (UTAD).

Located in Santa Iria da Azóia, Loures, the tree’s age was calculated using the new technique which estimated it to be 2,855 years old. This means it first sprouted sometime in 839 B.C., when the Olmec civilization, which preceded the Mayans, was still around and the Iron Age Villanovan culture was spreading in Italy.

On Saturday the tree was presented with a ‘Certificate of Age’, in a public ceremony organised by the Association for the Defence of Environmental Heritage and Culture (ADPAC).The tree’s aging process was initiated a couple of years ago when a businessman specialising in sales of ornamental trees was asked to give age certificates with every tree.

He approached UTAD asking for their help and offering to finance their research. The university developed a ground-breaking technique for estimating the age of trees, which has now been patented.

Until now a tree’s age has been calculated by counting the number of rings in its trunk, or by using the carbon 14 measuring technique.But, as one of the new technique’s main researchers, José Luis Louzada, told Lusa News Agency, if the tree was hollow neither of those methods could be applied, “because without wood you can’t count the rings or take a sample of the oldest part of the tree.”

The third method was developed from the theory that older trees have a certain volume or dimension.

Based on the Portuguese climate, patterns were studied to determine how long it would take for an olive tree to reach a certain size.

The final formula was achieved from evaluations taken from over 100 trees.

Located in Bairro da Covina, among the ruins of the Pirescouxe castle, the tree has a base perimeter of 10.15 metres, is 4.40 metres in height and has a treetop diameter of 7.60x8.40 metres.

Its age and localtion allows for it to be identified as one of the few living species that witnessed the Lusitanos resisting the Roman invasion, the Arab invasions, the Christian conquests and the birth of the Portuguese nation.

J

osé Luis Louzada believes there may be an even older olive tree in Portugal, but its owner was not interested in having it certified.