Eco Explorer: The Tree of Life in Bahrain that stands alone in a desert

New Delhi: The Tree of Life, a living enigma, has defied nature’s rules by standing strong for over 450 years in the heart of a Bahraini desert. The desert, a barren expanse with no lush vegetation and water scarce for miles, is a harsh environment for survival. The Tree of Life, an iconic symbol of Bahrain, has thrived against all odds. What is the secret behind its longevity? This article delves into the mystery.

Tree of Life: Where is it located?

Located in the desolate lands of southern Bahrain, the Tree of Life stands alone atop a 25-foot hill, not far from the country’s highest point. It’s a solitary figure, around 40km from Bahrain’s bustling capital city, Manama.

Tree of Life: History to age

Let us now find out the history and how old the Tree of Life is.

History

The Tree of Life, also known as Shajarat-al-Hayat, is a centuries-old tree that tells an unusual tale of vegetation and fertility in the desert of Bahrain. The exact date of its existence remains a mystery, adding to its mystique. While a soil analysis in the 1990s suggested the tree was planted in 1582, this date is still contested. The consensus is that the tree is between 400 and 500 years old, but the uncertainty of its age only adds to its awe-inspiring nature.

The tree is fully covered in green leaves. Over the years, it has become a local tourist attraction, visited by approximately 65,000 people annually.

How does it survive?

There are many theories on how the tree survives, but it is still not certain how the Tree of Life survives. The country receives little to no rain throughout the year. The tree’s roots are 50 metres deep and may be enough to reach the water.

While some believe that the tree has learned to extract moisture from grains of sand, others claim it is standing in what was once the Garden of Eden in biblical myths.

Nominated to Wonders of Nature

The Tree of Life was nominated for the 2009 New 7 Wonders of Nature list but did not finish first.

Also, archaeologists in 2010 unearthed 500-year-old pottery and other artefacts near the tree.

The tree has shown no sign of dying and remains to inspire as it stands proudly in a desert. The hill where the tree stands allows for a true appreciation of the barren landscape in which this tree has thrived.

• Environment and Climate
• General Knowledge
• Interesting Facts