Do you love trees? Do you love ridiculously massive trees? Then, amigas y amigos, do we have a botanical behemoth for you! Let us introduce you to the Arbol del Tule, aka The Tule Tree, a tree so large it makes other trees look like shrubs trying their best.
Located in the town of Santa María del Tule in Oaxaca, Mexico, this Montezuma cypress (or ahuehuete or Taxodium mucronatum) holds the title for the widest tree in the world. Its trunk measures a whopping 46 feet in diameter. Yes, 46 feet! If you hugged it, you’d need approximately 30 friends to join you, to reach all the way around.
“This is Mexico’s most popular tree,” Touristeros MX says.
But wait. How did this gigantic tree get here? And who planted it? Let’s dig (pun very intended) into the roots of Mexico’s ancient wonder which is much older than your Abuela’s abuelas’ abuelas’ abuelas.
Is Mexico’s Arbol del Tule the World’s Largest Tree?
The Tule Tree is estimated to be around 1,500 to 3,000 years old, which means it was already growing when the ancient Zapotecs were working on the details of their calendar. Some legends claim it was planted by a priest of the Aztec wind god, Ehécatl, which explains why it’s often referred to as the “Tree of Life.”
But How Big Is the Arbol del Tule Really?
Here’s the fun part: the Árbol del Tule is so massive that people love finding shapes in its trunk. Locals swear you can spot animals like an elephant, a jaguar, and even a lion in its gnarled bark.
“The local Zapotecs like to joke that the Tule shares some of their characteristics: it is short (only 35.4 meters in height), stout (11.62 meters in diameter), and old (about 1,500 years),” Atlas Obscura writes.
The tree weighs an estimated 630 tons, which is about the same as three blue whales. And there’s more. According to Atlas Obscura, the Tule Tree is still growing! Of course it is. As a living being, with the right conditions, it’s going to get even bigger and break more world records.
Legends Galore: A Tree with Personality
The Tule Tree isn’t just famous for its size; it’s also the star of many local myths. Some say its roots connect directly to the underworld, making it a mystical portal. Others believe it has magical healing properties.
“Several ethnic groups of Oaxaca have the belief that men come from trees, there is a ritual known as the Mixtec dance of the sabino, in this way it is venerated with offerings and ceremonies,” Mexico Desconocido writes.
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And here’s a spooky twist: locals tell stories of people hearing whispers coming from the tree at night. Now, whether that’s the tree itself or just a very creative prankster is still up for debate.
Why Visit the Tule Tree?
If you’re ever in Oaxaca, you have to see the Tule Tree. Not only is it awe-inspiring, but it’s also surrounded by the charming town of Santa María del Tule, where you can enjoy traditional Oaxacan food and hear locals proudly share the tree’s story.
So, is the Tule Tree the Largest Tree in the World? Technically, no. While it has the widest trunk, the title for the largest tree by volume belongs to California’s General Sherman Tree. Here’s the million-dollar question: Is the Tule Tree the world’s oldest living being? Scientists debate this because some trees (like a Norway Spruce called Old Tjikko in Sweden) technically share the title.
However, the Tule Tree’s history and size are impressive on their own. It has been standing tall for millennia, weathering storms, earthquakes, and many tourists’ selfies. Now, go see it for yourself—and don’t forget to hug it. Just make sure you bring 30 friends.
