At over 2000 years old, the 'Tule tree' (arbol del Tule) is amongst the oldest living trees in the world. With 10 meter diameter trunk it is also considered by many to be the broadest tree in the World.

Just look at the adult standing to the left of the tree in the first photo below!

The appearance of the massive tree is that of multiple trunks fused together. Recent DNA tests, however, suggest that it is in fact a single individual tree!

The circumference of the trunk is an amazing 54 meters.Various contortions of the trunk give the appearance of the faces of goblins and monsters. In fact, if you visit you will be offered a tour of the tree by local school children (an official project) who will show you all manner of creatures hiding in the tree, including elephants and jaguars! If you click on the images on this page you'll see some of the spooky figures trapped in the tree.

This great ahuehuete (Montezuma cypress) specimen is still alive and growing, as can be seen by the dense foliage reaching 43 meters into the sky!

Unfortunately there are concerns about the future well-being of the tree. Please follow the links below to find out more.
 

	(Click to view)				(Click to view)
	From side-to-side				Looking up
Send to a friend!				Send to a friend!

	(Click to view)				(Click to view)
	Trunk detail				Count the faces
Send to a friend!				Send to a friend!

Information Location: Santa Maria del Tule is a small town in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. Located 8 miles (13km) from the city of Oaxaca (on the way to Mitla), it is easily reached by bus or car. Links: Oaxaca, Mexico and the Arbol del Tule Interesting information about the tree and the organization 'Mi Amigo del Arbol' which has been set up to protect it. Taxodium mucronatum description Brief scientific description of the species with a mention of this specific tree. A World Community of Old Trees An Eco-Art Project in Progress. Oaxaca Handbook Recommended guide to the Oaxaca region.