Edin Buzuku knew his olive tree was old. Now, with the help of scientists from Istanbul Forestry University, he knows how old: 1,314 years.
The ancient tree stands within Buzuku’s family grove in the seafront city of Ulcinj in Montenegro.
The plantation’s other trees are a relatively young 800 years of age, Buzuku said, all bearing olives of the local Zutica variety from which the family has for centuries produced its Montenegro extra virgin olive oil and soaps.
A certificate granted by the Wood Anatomy and Tree-Ring Research Laboratory at Istanbul University, indicates the age was determined by dendrochronological methods, which is the scientific process of dating based on the analysis of patterns of tree rings.
Related Articles
Jan. 2, 2024
Officials in Jordan Work to Protect Millennial Olive Trees
Although they have lived through war, famine and plagues, Jordan's ancient olive trees are now threatened by luxury hotels and affluent collectors.
Jun. 10, 2024
Concrete and Water Are Damaging Montenegro's Oldest Olive Tree
In their efforts to turn the 2,247-year-old Stara Maslina into a tourist attraction, local authorities have inadvertently damaged the iconic olive tree.
Dec. 7, 2023
Celebrating South America's Historic Olive Trees
The organization Sudoliva documents and preserves historic olive trees which tell the story of the European colonization of Latin America.
Mar. 21, 2024
Study Questions the Accuracy of Olive Tree Dating Methods
Using radiocarbon dating, researchers concluded a 1,100-year-old tree in Lebanon is the world’s oldest olive tree. Other experts believe the method may have been flawed.
Aug. 7, 2024
Researchers Identify 30 New Olive Varieties in Aragón
Further investigation is underway to determine the varieties’ characteristics and identify whether any could be used to produce olive oil on a commercial scale.
May. 28, 2024
L’Olivo di Sant'Emiliano: A 1,800-Year-Old Symbol of Umbria's Olive Tradition
The millenary tree symbolizes the resilience of the central Italian region, with many of its cohorts damaged by repeated frost over the years.
Jan. 31, 2024
Farmers on Small Italian Islands Restore Ancient Groves and Local Production
Growers on Giglio Island and Capri are restoring centuries-old olive trees to revive a fading culture and protect unique island landscapes.