History of Europe’s Oldest Tree: the Bosnian Pine, Pride of Pollino
The Bosnian Pine, nicknamed the “living fossil” or “dinosaur of trees,” is a conifer that thrives in harsh environments, such as the calcareous soils above 1,000 meters in the Pollino National Park. Its ability to survive in isolated areas, where other trees cannot, makes it unique.
The Bosnian Pine’s sculptural appearance and tormented growth are the result of the harsh climate and soil conditions.
The Bosnian Pine has been the official symbol of the Pollino National Park since 1993. The Pollino National Park logo, in fact, depicts an intertwining “P” and the stylized figure of a tree, symbolizing a biodiverse ecosystem.
There are two species of Bosnian pine: Pinus leucodermis (the true Bosnian pine) and Pinus heldreichii (or Bosnian pine), the latter found in Albania and on Mount Olympus.
The name “Bosnian” comes from the tough bark, similar to ancient Roman armor, which protects the tree. The tough bark made Bosnian pine wood suitable for making trunks and chests, while its slow burning made it ideal for torches.
The peaks of the Pollino Massif on the Calabrian side:
Serra Dolcedorme: 2,267 meters above sea level
Mount Pollino: 2,248 meters above sea level
Timpa di Valle Piana: 2,163 meters above sea level
Serra del Prete: 2,157 meters above sea level
Serra delle Ciavole: 2,130 meters above sea level
Timpa del Pino di Michele: 2,069 meters above sea level
Visit Pollino National Park now, don’t wait to hear about it!
