Nature surprises us with living beings capable of defying the passage of time and enclosing the history of the Earth within them. Among them, the most notable is Fitzroya cupressoides, Popularly known as Patagonian larch, lahuán or Great Grandfather, a tree capable of achieving unprecedented longevity and majestic dimensions.
Compared to the human scale, where an average person is between 1,60 and 1,85 meters, the Patagonian larch imposes its presence exceeding the Meters 50 usually and it is possible to find specimens of up to 60 meters and trunk diameters greater than 4 metersBut beyond its size, this tree has been in the news for another extraordinary reason: It is the oldest known tree on the planet, with records that place him at an estimated age greater than 5.400 years.
His scientific name Fitzroya cupressoides It refers both to a tribute to Captain Robert Fitz Roy and to his similarity to cypress trees (cupressus), although taxonomically it is placed in the family Cupressaceae and it is a monotypic genus, that is, has no sister species in the genre Fitzroy. Despite the name “larch”, It is not directly related to the European larches (Larix), but its appearance evoked that comparison in the settlers. For this reason, it is often referred to as the “Patagonian false cypress” outside of South America.
Below, we'll delve into its origin, characteristics, habitat, ecological and cultural value, as well as the care it requires and the main challenges it faces in its current conservation.
Origin, distribution and habitat of the Patagonian larch (Fitzroya cupressoides)
Fitzroya cupressoides is endemic to the Southern Cone of America, occurring naturally in Chile and southwestern Argentina. Its distribution area covers the humid temperate forests of Valdivia, especially among the 40° and 43° south latitude.
In Chile, it extends both in the Coastal Range (from the province of Valdivia to Chiloé) as in the Andes mountains (Llanquihue and Palena provinces), occupying altitudes from sea level to 1.500 meters. In Argentina, it is found mainly in the province of Chubut, between 700 and 1.400 meters above sea level.
The perfect environment for the larch is the temperate rainforest, where rainfall exceeds 2.000 mm per year. It prefers moist, swampy, and low-fertility soils, which has contributed to its poor competition with other, more nutrient-demanding tree species. However, it is often found forming monospecific forests called alerzales, although it can also coexist with the Guaitecas cypress (Pilgerodendron uviferum), mañiú (Saxegothaea conspicua) and coihue (Nothofagus dombeyi).
Morphological characteristics and biology of the ancient larch
Fitzroya cupressoides is an evergreen conifer with a pyramidal habit., that is, it keeps its leaves throughout the year and its crown is elongated and narrow.
- Level: It usually reaches between 40 and 50 meters, although specimens of up to 60 meters have been recorded.
- Trunk diameter: It can exceed 4 meters in very old specimens.
- Cortex: Reddish in color, thick and fibrous, with deep longitudinal grooves.
- Sheets: Scaly, green, arranged in groups of three, spatula- or scale-shaped with finely toothed edges.
- Wood: Deep reddish in color, lightweight, and highly resistant to rot and insect attack. This durability has historically made it a coveted resource for construction and shingle manufacturing.
It is noteworthy that its growth rate is extremely slow.While a pine tree can grow to 20 meters in just a few decades, The larch takes between 300 and 400 years to reach such a sizeThanks to this slow growth, its wood is especially dense and prized, and some specimens may have witnessed the climatic changes that have occurred over millennia.
Extraordinary longevity: The oldest tree in the world
The most spectacular feature of Fitzroya cupressoides is its longevity. For years, specimens like the famous "Great Grandfather" that lives in the Alerce Costero National Park have been the object of fascination and scientific study.
While other long-lived species such as the Methuselah pine (Pinus longaeva) or the Abarkuh cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) reach between 4.000 and almost 5.000 years, the latest scientific estimates on the Great Grandfather of Chile point to an age that could exceed 5.400 yearsThis figure makes this specimen the oldest living tree known to dateFurthermore, these trees have survived fires, logging, and major climate changes, further increasing their biological and historical value.
To determine longevity, scientists employ techniques such as dendrochronology (growth ring analysis) and computer models, since it is impossible to obtain complete samples from large-diameter specimens without damaging them. Thus, the Great Grandfather and other ancient larches have become true living witnesses to the planet's history.
Ecological importance of Fitzroya cupressoides
The Patagonian larch is much more than a natural symbol: it performs essential ecological functions for temperate rainforests. from Southamerica.
- Carbon sequestration: Larch trees can store large amounts of carbon for millennia. A single tree can retain carbon molecules for about 1.500 years, making a significant contribution to combating climate change. It is estimated that larch forests can store up to three times more carbon per hectare than the Amazon itself, primarily in the soil and woody biomass.
- Habitat and biodiversity generation: Its canopy, branches, and trunk host their own ecosystems, providing refuge for birds, mammals, insects, mosses, lichens, and epiphytes. They are key to maintaining humidity, accumulating nutrients, and regulating the microclimate.
- Soil recovery: They grow in poor, moist soils, preparing them for other species to establish themselves later and thus facilitating the development of new forests.
The conservation of the Patagonian larch has, therefore, global implications for forest management and the fight against climate changeIts disappearance would mean the loss of an invaluable reservoir of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Cultural value, history and legends of the larch
Fitzroya cupressoides occupies a privileged place in the culture and worldview of indigenous peoples and in the history of the colonization of South America.
For mapuches, who call it Lawan o lañilawalThe larch is considered a "protective spirit of nature" or 'ngen'. It is venerated as a symbol of wisdom and resilience. There are stories about the sacred ancestral relationship between the guardians of the larch forest and these ancient conifers, transmitting practices of respect and gratitude toward these giants, who are part of their identity and collective memory.
Throughout colonial history, Larch wood has been fundamental to the economy and architecture of southern Chile and Argentina.Its resistance to moisture and insects made it a preferred material for the construction of shingles (thin boards) used for roofing and cladding. The wood was even used as currency during times of metal shortages, being called "real de alerce."
Larch resin has served as a substitute for incense in religious ceremonies, and the inner bark was used to caulk boats, forming an integral part of daily life in southern communities.
Conservation status: threats and legal protection
Fitzroya cupressoides is in danger of extinction and is protected by Chilean and Argentine legislation.
- Main threat: Historical overexploitation of timber, changes in land use, habitat fragmentation, illegal logging, and forest fires (increased near road infrastructure).
- Uncontrolled tourism: The increase in visitors to iconic specimens, such as the Great Grandfather, has caused soil compaction, damage to surface roots, and loss of the protective moss cover, necessitating access restrictions and the implementation of observation platforms.
- Climate vulnerability: Climate change can affect the regeneration of these forests, as they depend on very humid conditions and low temperatures.
To respond to these challenges, the larch has been declared Natural Monument and is included on the International List of Endangered Species. Since the 1970s, logging of live specimens has been legally prohibited in Chile (and the harvesting of wood from dead trees is only authorized under strict permits), while in Argentina, it is a provincial natural monument in the province of Chubut.
What care does Patagonian larch require when cultivated?
Growing Fitzroya cupressoides outside its natural habitat is a real challenge, but it is possible in gardens with the right climate and space.. She species demanding in terms of climate, humidity and soil type, in addition to requiring a lot of patience due to its slow development.
- Climate: It needs a temperate-cold and humid climate, with very cold winters that it can withstand (it can withstand frosts down to -18°C), but it does not tolerate heat above 30°C or prolonged droughts.
- Location: Always outdoors, in places exposed to rain, wind, and snow, ideally in a natural park, large garden, or space where its adult size is not a problem.
- Floors: It prefers rich, fertile, very moist (even waterlogged) soils, but with good drainage to avoid root asphyxiation.
- Irrigation: Water frequently and abundantly, especially in dry summers. The substrate should always remain moist, but not waterlogged. In pots, we recommend using light mixes for conifers and watering thoroughly between waterings.
- Subscriber: From late winter through fall, preferably applying organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, guano, egg and banana peels, to improve health and growth.
- Multiplication: It propagates solely from seeds, which require several months of cold storage (stratification) before sprouting, so they must be sown outdoors during the winter.
Historical and modern uses of Patagonian larch
Traditionally, larch wood has had multiple uses and incalculable economic, social, and symbolic significance in southern South America.
- Wood for shingles and construction: Its extraordinary durability made it indispensable for roofing, siding and structural elements in humid climates.
- Coin: It came to be used as a means of payment in times when the monetary system was scarce or unstable.
- Resin for religious ceremonies: The resin replaced incense in Catholic rituals and its bark was used to seal boats.
- Scientific study of the climate: Larch growth rings are invaluable records for reconstructing climate over thousands of years. Scientists can then understand how precipitation and temperature have varied and anticipate the impacts of climate change.
- Decorative and educational use in the West: Today it is valued for its exceptional beauty and longevity, but it is very rare outside its native range, being used primarily in botanical gardens, conservation programs, and environmental education.
The future of Fitzroya cupressoides: challenges and hope
Despite the challenges, the history of Patagonian larch preservation has seen recent successes thanks to social mobilization, awareness, and the heritage value attributed to these ancient trees. Scientific organizations, state institutions, and local communities have managed to curb critical threats such as road projects and excessive exploitation, promoting alternative routes and regulating tourism sustainably to protect the oldest specimens.
Currently, priorities focus on monitoring protected areas, forest restoration, protection from intentional fires, environmental education, and recognition of the cultural and ecological value of these natural giants. Reforestation initiatives and symbolic tree adoptions allow people around the world to actively contribute to ensuring the survival of Fitzroya cupressoides for future generations.
The Patagonian larch continues to be much more than a simple tree: it is a living testimony to the history of the Earth, a haven of biodiversity and a hope for the future of the planet. Preserving it means preserving the memory, natural wealth, and cultural identity of an entire region.