HELSINKI: Scientists in Finland have discovered a 780-year-old sylvester pine tree, the oldest living specimen known in Scandinavia, a research institute said on Tuesday. The ancient “Pinus sylvestris”, a contemporary of eighth-century emperor Charlemagne, was found last year in Lapland during a study mission on forest fires, the Metla tree cultivation research institute said.

Scientists analysed a section of the tree's trunk in order to determine its age.

“The pine is living but it is not in the best shape. It's quite difficult to say how long it will survive,” researcher Tuomo Wallenius said.

The tree does not need special protection as it is located inside the strip of land bordering Russia, where access is strictly prohibited.

The sylvester pine grows in Scandinavia, Siberia and Eastern Europe.—AFP