Ancient banyan tree’s age confirmed by scientists in India
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
Researchers at Cambridge University determined that a banyan tree in Munger, Bihar, India, is at least 700 years old.
The study, published April 26, 2026, used advanced radiocarbon dating on wood samples from the tree’s trunk and a branch. This dating method provided scientific evidence to support local stories about the tree’s great age, something previously lacking.
The Department of Science and Technology officially recognised the findings on July 3, 2026, confirming the tree is the oldest accurately dated Ficus benghalensis, the banyan tree, in the world. Establishing the tree’s age proved difficult because tropical trees, unlike those in temperate climates, do not consistently grow annual rings needed for traditional dating methods. Environmentalist Jasmit S Arora believes the research offers a new way to protect important trees.
He explained that scientifically verifying the age of heritage trees provides the evidence needed to gain legal protection and long-term conservation. Arora also noted that these ancient trees are vital for biodiversity and act as important carbon sinks, storing significant amounts of carbon and supporting many species.
