The oldest tree in the world was a Pinus longaeva. It was called Prometheus and stood five meters tall. It was felled in 1964 in Nevada by a student for a research program. Prometheus was over 5,000 years old.

Trees are woody terrestrial plants characterized by their trunks and the absence of branches at the base. Branches develop at the end of the trunk to form the crown, also known as the crown.

Trees are distinguished from other plants by their size and longevity. At maturity, the specimen must reach at least five meters in height to be considered a tree. Otherwise, it remains a shrub. Another characteristic of trees is their long life. A tree lives for decades. But certain varieties of pine, sequoia and cypress have survived the centuries.

There are between 60,000 and 100,000 species of tree. They differ from one another in their habit (upright, drooping, spreading...), foliage (deciduous, evergreen, semi-evergreen...), leaf shape and size (whole, oval, elliptical, lanceolate...), flowers and fruit.

Fruit trees (lemon, cherry, apple, fig...) are grown for their fruit. Other varieties are planted for their ornamental qualities. Japanese maples are chosen for their colorful autumn leaves, Judas trees for their spring bloom and Pachira trees for their braided trunk.

The hardiest tree species, such as oak, willow and conifers, are planted in the garden, in the ground. They provide shade and structure and contribute to the local ecosystem.

But you can also plant trees on your terrace or balcony. Mediterranean plants, such as olive and oleander, can be grown in containers, bringing a little nature to the city.

Finally, certain varieties, such as ficus, Yucca or calamondin, are grown in our latitudes in pots and indoors. Originating from the forests of Asia and South America, these trees prefer the warmth of our apartments to the rigors of winter.