The Bristlecone Pines in the White Mountains of California are the oldest known living organisms on the planet.  These photos are from the Methusalah Grove, where the oldest individual at 4,846 years lives.  Its identity is kept secret to prevent vandalism.  These trees are its neighbors, if not the tree itself.  Another tree of the species  in the White Mountains has been identified at 5064 years, but its location is also kept secret.  The trees have attained their age by growing very slowly in the high altitude, cold temperatures, strong winds and poor general growing conditions.  Their rate of regeneration is also very slow and may be insufficient for its survival in the present conditions of climate  and environmental change.