Long-lived trees of Iran

Description

Long-lived trees are known as genetic, botanical, cultural and even historical reservoirs in world and there are countless efforts to maintain and protect them. The quality, number and diversity of long-lived trees in Iran are impressive and astonishing. More than 2000 long-lived individuals were identified in Iran and their information was recorded. Longevity is a period of tree life beginning with limited or extensive heart rot in tree trunk. The beginning of longevity period is different and depends on trees species. The beginning of longevity takes very long time to start in some trees that makes them very valuable long-lived individuals. The suitable natural habitats, special concern paid to the high productivity of trees, being in historical and religious places and specific religious beliefs are reasons for the extraordinary age of long-lived trees. In Iran Plane tree (Platanus orientalis) with 398 individuals, walnut (Juglans regia), Juniper (Juniperus excelsa), cedar (Cupressus sempervirens) and wild pistachio (Pistacia atlantica) had the most frequency. The most aged long-lived tree is Abarkouh cedar (estimated 4000 years old), followed by Sharestank, Abarsij and Serani Juniper with estimated 2700-2800 years old. The age of Estand and Esfad cypresses was estimated to be 990- 1040 years old. Over the past two decades, there have been a lot of efforts in introducing long-lived trees to the responsible organizations in order to protect them precisely and scientifically.

The Cypress of Abarkuh, also called the Zoroastrian Sarv (Cupressus sempervirens) in Abarkuh in Yazd Province of Iran, is one of the well-known trees in this list. This tree with a height of 25 meters and with a perimeter of 11.5 meters is estimated to be over four millennia old and is likely the oldest or second-oldest living life form in Asia. The exact age of the tree has been difficult to determine, but experts estimate it is about 4000 years old. Favorable natural conditions of its location have been credited as the main reason for the tree’s longevity. There is a legend about the tree, which says the tree was first planted by Zoroaster. Coordinates: 31°7′21″N 53°16′47″E.

Information about distribution, perimeter, and the age of some identified long-lived trees in Iran showed in tables below.

Some of the most important long-lived trees in Iran

Justification of Outstanding Universal Value

The quality, number and diversity of long-lived trees in Iran are impressive and astonishing. More than 2000 long-lived individuals belonging to over 50 tree species, which some of them are threaten species, were identified. Some of them (such as Cupressus sempervirens in Yazd province) are the oldest living life form in Asia or the oldest of its kind in the world (Popolus alba in North Khorasan Province). In addition, a significant portion of the trunks of these trees remain intact and can depict the biological history of their habitats for humans and be a valuable heritage for future generations.

Criterion (vii): It seems that the most beautiful aspect of God's creation is the creation of various beings; and what more beautiful phenomenon than the presence of a creature of several thousand years that continues to live with exemplary splendor. Some of these trees are amazing in size compared to their similar species in other parts of the world and, like ancient legends, have relied on the history of this border and landscape, but this time they are living and true legends in front of human eyes. The aesthetic features of some of these trees are so eye-catching that they have influenced on literary works from Persian poetry and texts and perhaps in other languages; and have had a great impact on Iranian literature. In addition, the historical traces of some of these trees among Ancient Persian texts are more than 1000 years’ old.

Criterion (ix): Long-lived trees are known as genetic, botanical, cultural and even historical reservoirs in world. More than 2000 long-lived individuals, which some of them are threaten species, were identified in different area of Iran. They give us important information about genetic diversity, climatic change, religious believe etc.

Statements of authenticity and/or integrity

The suitable natural habitats, special concern paid to the high productivity of trees, being in historical and religious places and specific religious beliefs are reasons for the extraordinary age of long-lived trees in Iran. All of these trees are protected by the Cultural Heritage, handicraft and tourist Organization of Iran as a national natural monument and are indeed major tourist attractions.

In addition, the existence of numerous long lived-trees throughout the nature of Iran indicates the continuity of habitats of these species throughout the country.

Comparison with other similar properties

Due to the climate diversity in Iran, the number, diversity and quality of long- lived trees in Iran is impressive. The number, diversity and quality of long-lived trees in Iran relative to other countries is rare and unique. There are many examples of similar trees in the world, none of which are comparable to these flagship trees. Providing accurate statistics in this case requires more in-depth study and scientific evidence.