But one pine tree is capable of surviving even harsher conditions.
但有一种松树 可以在更恶劣的环境中生存
These pines live at the limit of life -
这些松树生长在美国西部
above 3,000 metres in the mountains of western America.
三千公尺以上的山区
Almost continuous freezing temperatures and savage winds make life so tough
这里是生命的极限 山上的低温和强风几乎终年不断
that these bristle cones only manage to grow for six weeks of the year.
所以刺果松每年的生长期 只有六个星期
Everything is about conserving energy.
它们的一切都以节能为导向
They hardly ever shed their needles, which can last more than 30 years.
刺果松的松针很少脱落 可以维持三十多年
After centuries of being blasted by storms,
忍受数百年的暴风雨吹袭后
a full-grown tree still survives with only a strip of bark a few inches wide.
一棵成年刺果松 只凭着数时宽的树皮生存
These trees live life at such a slow pace
这些树木的生活步调缓慢
that they can reach great age.
所以寿命惊人
Some are over 5,000 years old.
有的已经超过五千岁了
It's been said of the bristlecones,
有人说此地的刺果松
that to live here is to take a very long time to die.
连死亡过程都很漫