RE: Lifespans
- To: "'M*@ucdavis.edu'"
- Subject: RE: Lifespans
- From: V* A*
- Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2000 06:19:39 -0400
Hi Bracy,
I can give you some infos, from my experience, but they have no scientific
value!
>What about camellias?
In Naples (full medit.climate) there are +200 years old plants
>What about salvias?
I know a 30-35 years old plant of Salvia rutilans
>What about Italian Cypress?
Up to 300 years they still look wonderful, then become a little straggy, in
Rome we have a plant that was planted by Michelangelo in 1560 (?)
>What about crepe myrtles?
I know 60 years old plants, but I think they can get older.
Rosemary gets quite old as well, 50 years for sure.
Fruit trees: 60 yrs. apricots, +100yrs figs and pomegranates, 80yrs plums.
Roses? They can pass 100 years, at least climbing ones.
Of course live oaks (Quercus ilex) are very, very long lived, I am a
worshipper of a 500 years old one that grows in a medieval village near my
country house, but that is supposed to be only half of its lifespan.
Stone pines (Pinus pinea), on the contrary, are not: they rarely last longer
than 100 years.
Olives are older, they can reach about 1000 years.
Now, let me imagine the scene:
(customer)..." and how long will this olive tree live, with proper care?"
(Bracy) "Hum, about one thousand year, if you and your descendants for 30
generations tend it lovingly!"
In my life, I have planted dozens of Quercus ilex. When I think of it, I
can feel I left my little mark on history! Not to mention what for planting
olive trees, and I planted lots of them. I almost feel the vertigo of
immortality!
Hope this helps,
Alessandra
Alessandra
