Skip to main content

El Árbol del Tule - The stoutest tree

Location

Oaxaca

Mexico

17° 2' 47.436" N, 96° 38' 10.32" W

See map: Google Maps

MX

General info:

El Árbol del Tule is a cypress tree that has the stoutest trunk of any tree in the world. In 2005, its trunk had a circumference of 42.0 m (137.8 ft), equating to a diameter of 14.05 m (46.1 ft).

It is so large that it was originally thought to be multiple trees, but DNA tests have proven that it is only one tree. The age of the tree is unknown, but the best scientific estimate based on growth rates is between 1,433 and 1,600 years. In 2001 it was placed on a UNESCO tentative list of World Heritage Sites.

Unfortunately in 1990 it was reported that the tree is slowly dying because its roots have been damaged by water shortages, pollution and traffic, with 8,000 cars traveling daily on a nearby highway.

Getting there:

The tree is easy to access. It is located in the center of Santa María del Tule in the church grounds.

You might be interested in

Trango Towers

The Trango Towers is a group of tall granite spikes located in northern Pakistan. The Towers offer some of the largest cliffs and most challenging rock climbing in the world.

Methuselah Tree - The oldest tree

It is amazing to think that there are still trees that existed way before the pyramids were built. The Methuselah tree is a 4850year-old Great Basin bristlecone pine tree growing high in the White Mountains, California.

Hyperion- The tallest tree

Hyperion is the world's tallest known living tree. It was discovered in 2006, by naturalists Chris Atkins and Michael Taylor and was measured at 379.3 feet (115.61 m).

General Sherman- The largest tree

The General Sherman is the largest tree in the world. It is not the tallest, oldest or widest but it is the largest tree by volume.

Kjerag and Kjeragbolten

On the other side of the Fjord from Preikestolen is another breathtaking cliff, Kjerag. Its highest point is 1110 m above sea level, but it is the northern drop to Lysefjorden that attracts most visitors.

Cliffs Of Moher

The Cliffs Of Moher are the most outstanding coastal features of Ireland.