A New Oldest Tree Announced!

A 9,550 year old spruce was discovered in the Dalarna province of Sweden.

Well, discovered might not be the right term. See scientists have known of the existence of this tree but for many years the spruce tree has been regarded as a newcomer in the Swedish mountain region. Confusing a 9,550 year old tree with a youngin' sounds like the observer should take a few more classes on carbon dating but it turns out that Spruce trees have a complex life cycle.

Spruce trees can multiply with roots penetrating branches, producing clones. These trees also have the ability to push out another trunk as the other one died. Just because the trunk rots or dies does not mean the tree will not survive.

The discovery have found a cluster of around 20 spruces that are over 8,000 years old. Source.

Plants Demand Respect

Unless the plant is saving a life, destroying one or damaging one is 'morally wrong.'
According to a Swiss Committee plants deserve some respect. And unless you have a justifiable reason, the Committee condemned the decapitation of flowers, among other sins.
Using plants for biotechnology is OK as well as genetic engineering because both of these procedures benefit our race as a whole just please leave the petals on that daisy.
Unless of course you want to go to hell. Source.