Bristlecone

/ˈbrɪsəlkoʊn/ noun

Definition

An ancient slow-growing pine tree native to high mountains of western North America, known for living thousands of years.

Etymology

From bristle (stiff hair) + cone (seed pod), referring to the tree's distinctive cones with prickly scales that resemble bristles.

Kelly Says

Great Basin bristlecones are Earth's oldest living organisms—some are over 5,000 years old and were already ancient when the Egyptian pyramids were built!

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