47. The Tule tree (Arbol del Tule). This is the oldest and largest tree in Mexico, reputedly over 2,000 years old (some say 3,000). It is said that it takes seventy men to encircle the tree with their extended arms (nearly 140 feet). The town of Santa Maria del Tule sits astride the Pan-American Highway south of Oaxaca City. The tree is the same species as the Sequoia (giant cypress) trees of California, called “ahuehuetes” in Mexico. The Tule tree has many spectacular protuberances, which native children claim are figures of various animals.

[Back] [Next]

Links to other sites on the Web

Back to MAIN PAGE