Ancient Tree Forum

November 2003 Ancient Sequoia’s preserved for 2 million years...in Italy Click on pictures to enlarge		Steve Hull reports of a unique find in Italy. In 1986, they discovered remains believed to be part of a large forest comprised of trees similar to modern day Sequoia. Pollen analysis has revealed that the trees were growing about two million years ago. Moreover, it is possible that these trees could have been ancient trees of their era, as their age at the time of burial could be up to one thousand years. 'Whilst on holiday in Italy, last Summer, I came across some truly ancient trees that, I’m sure, no one will be able to beat in terms of age! Although these trees are admittedly dead – but then we all know the value of dead wood – they have been estimated as being at least two million years old and are fossilised. About fifty trunks, up to five metres in height, have so far been found at Dunarobba, a village in Umbria between Perugia and Terni. This discovery was made in 1986 when the adjacent brick works was excavating clay and they were immediately recognised as a unique find, not so much for their age or number of specimens but for the way in which the wood has been preserved. They are not petrified as you would perhaps expect but are in fact mummified due to the covering of clay which buried them for two million years and to the anaerobic conditions which prevailed. This is real wood! It is believed that these remains were part of a large forest comprised of trees similar to modern day Sequoia. Pollen analysis has revealed that the trees were growing about two million years ago. Moreover, it is possible that these trees could have been ancient trees of their era, as their age at the time of burial could be up to one thousand years. Of course, now that the trunks have been exposed, they are once again subject to normal wood decay processes. The authorities are now dedicated to preserving these specimens and are undertaking various trials but like many institutions both here and especially in Italy, money and bureaucracy are problems and they are at present only crudely protected from the worst of the weather and remain effectively open to the elements. Interestingly, micro-investigation of the preserved wood has revealed that although the cells are dead they remain functional, so that they continue to take up water from the ground and humidity from the air, but are unable to release it. The destructive processes of both man and animals have also taken their toll – fires have been lit close to the trees and insects and woodpeckers have been active. The Fossil Forest at Dunarobba is a unique site, holding records from the past which are irreplaceable. The trees hold great potential for research and for education, however, their discovery has placed great responsibility on the owners and authorities to preserve these monuments to a period of pre-history. Italy is a country which values its art and culture, yet red tape and a lack of finance are making the task of preservation slow and difficult. So if you are on holiday in Umbria pay this remarkable site a visit and show your support. Steve Hull 17th November 2003

		Notes Dunarobba is about 15 km south of Todi, just to the west of the E45 road between Perugia and Terni. www.forestafossile.it

The Secret Forest of Umbria, Italy