The Oldest Pistachio Tree in Rafsanjan
Pistachio is a plant that has been cultivated for a long time and has been dated in different parts of Iran. Wild forests and pistachio groves in northeastern Iran and areas bordering Turkmenistan and Afghanistan have a long history. It is believed that this pistachio tree was domesticated and cultivated in Iran about 3 to 4 thousand years ago.
The first pistachio cultivars in Iran were the result of breeding and domestication of wild pistachio trees, the number of which was very limited and its appearance was similar to the car pistachio crop. Over time, due to the transplantation and transfer of these cultivars and the attention of gardeners in terms of the coarseness of pistachio seeds has changed to some extent and new cultivars have emerged.
The oldest pistachio tree is located 30 km northeast of Rafsanjan pistachio in the historical village of Oudarj in Rafsanjan and in a 1300-year-old ancient and historical cemetery. The tree is 1500 years old and still green. This tree is male and has survived over time.
The diameter of the trunk of this tree is 3.5 meters and its height is 15 meters. this amazing tree is one of the stunning attractions of this city. The region is mountainous and lush in terms of climate and has cold winters and mild summers and cool weather.
The access road to Oudraj village, which starts from Rafsanjan, is a beautiful road that starts with a view of pistachio orchards on both sides of the road and continues with the cover of desert trees, and finally ends in sand dunes and desert. The route of this desert road enters the southern slopes of the Zagros mountain range, which has a unique beauty with numerous turns and mountainous areas.
Suitable Climate for Pistachio Tree
To better understand the reasons for the aging of this old tree, it is better to first examine the favorable conditions of the pistachio tree. Pistachio trees are resistant to extreme cold in winter and extreme heat in summer. Pistachio trees are not adapted to hot weather, humidity, and wet soil. The reason for this is that high soil moisture causes gum disease and rot in the area where the tree grows on the soil of the so-called tree collar.
The disease gradually weakens the tree and eventually dries it out. Pistachio trees are drought-tolerant. It has been observed that old and large trees like the oldest pistachio tree in the world can be kept alive even for decades without irrigation. Oudraj village with a temperate and suitable climate in the first 6 months of the year and cold winter weather has been able to keep the oldest pistachio tree in the world alive.
On the other hand, the spring cold can cause serious damage to pistachio trees, and this village has become a special area for pistachio trees to grow with the balance of the climate in the spring.
The Fruit of the World's Oldest Pistachio Tree
The oldest pistachio tree in the world is actually a type of pistachio called wild pistachio (mountain pistachio). Pistacia Atlantica or mountain pistachio is a type of pistachio tree with spherical pistachios in shape and a diameter of about 5 mm. At first glance, this pistachio does not look like the image you have of pistachios in mind.
The mountain pistachio tree, which is a descendant of the world’s oldest pistachio, usually grows in the foothills and is 6 to 11 meters high. Pistacia Atlantica (called also Beneh in local dialect) is used to make a variety of local dishes, to flavor animal yogurts, and to make pickles.
