Montezuma cypress

Montezuma cypress (Taxodium mucronatum Ten., 1853) is a species of cypress which grows in Mexico, Guatemala, and the United States, in highlands, dry areas with deeper water levels, near rivers, and near wetlands.

This is a national tree of Mexico and has been a holy tree to local cultures, for example, Aztecs planted these majestic trees in gardens and along causeways and channels as a symbol of governance and power.

Cypress of Tule

Santa María del Tule is small town in Oaxaca. In the past here was located lake which turned into swampland and back in these times here started to grow Montezuma cypresses. Today in the town are found seven giant cypresses – besides the largest one others also are very large, with a circumference of some 10 m. Arbol del Tule most likely is the oldest one – its age is assessed to be 1,400 – 1,600 years.

Before the coming of Europeans Arbol del Tule was a sacred tree to local Zapotec culture. Now next to the tree in the 17th century was built a Christian church – it looks like a child toy next to the giant tree.

In the late 19th century tree suffered from a lack of water but since then local people have taken care of it.

Now the tree is one of the most important tourist attractions in this area, with many small shops nearby selling souvenirs. Local people have much respect for the tree and there is a separate non-governmental organization that takes care of Árbol del Tule according to a dedicated plan for the conservation and maintenance of this tree (4).

On every second Monday of October here takes place the festivity of Arbol del Tule when people gather with candles and fire rockets.

The tree is important also for many other beings: for example, there are nesting six species of birds (3).

Cypress is in a good condition (1) and while part of the branches is slowly dying, others are still growing larger. Specialists consider that the trunk of the tree will become larger in the future (4). Earlier there were fears that the tree is dying due to traffic pollution but, happily, this is not true.

Size of the trunk

Circumference

Data about the circumference of the tree are contradicting. Most frequently is mentioned a circumference of 45.75 m or even larger – 54 or even 58 m. This is a measurement at the ground level and larger numbers most likely include measurement along the bays and promontories.

The correct way is to measure the circumference at the breast height (1.3 – 1.5 m) and the tape should not follow all the bumps and bays along the trunk.

Correct measurements by Dr. Robert Van Pelt in 2005 gave a more modest result – 36.2 m (3). The tree is growing – in 1987 the circumference was 35.84 m (also measured by Dr. Robert Van Pelt).

But also this measurement does not tell the full story. Configuration of the trunk of Árbol del Tule is unusual – the tree is buttressed, with an elongated form of the cross-section of trunk. This unusual form and unique size of it could be explained by the great age and existence of mighty branches which are “fortified” with fast growth under these branches in order to prevent them from splitting.

Diameter

The most likely more correct way to describe the size of this tree would be a calculation of the average diameter – it is assessed to be 11.62 m if the line of measurement tape is taken into account or 9.4 m if the mean width between buttresses and bays is calculated.

Third stoutest tree in the world

Whether the diameter of the tree is 11.62 or 9.4 m, Arbol del Tule makes Montezuma cypress the second stoutest tree in the world, after balete (Millenium Tree in the Philippines, diameter around 15 m). The inclusion of the balete tree could be discussed – this tree consists of numerous smaller trunks of a single organism that are joined together. After the split of once stoutest tree in the world – Glencoe Baobab in South Africa (diameter 15.9 m) next stoutest baobab (Sagole Tree) has a circumference of “only” 33.72 m. Fourth stoutest is the magnificent giant sequoia (General Grant Tree in United States, California, diameter – 8.8 m).

There have been discussions about whether Árbol del Tule is a single tree or several cypresses grown together. Electrophoretic analysis of the leaf material shows that this is a single tree (2).

Other dimensions

The height of Arbol del Tule reaches the impressive height of 35.4 m, measured by laser equipment. There are also larger numbers (41 – 43 m) given, but this most likely is a mistake caused by the wide crown of the tree.

Estimated volume of the tree is 750 m³.

References

1. Gerard Passola i Parcerissa. Informe del estado general del Árbol de Santa María del Tule, 11.11.11. Asociación Mexicana de Arboricultura, 2012. Accessed in the 21st July 2014.
2. Gustav W. Hall, George M. Diggs, Jr., Douglas E. Soltis, Pamela S. Soltis. Genetic Uniformity of El Arbol Del Tule (The Tule Tree). Madroño, 1990.
3. Taxodium mucronatum. The Gymnosperm Database. Accessed in the 21st July 2014.
4. Programa de Mejoramiento del Árbol del Tule. Comité “Mi Amigo el Árbol”

Arbol del Tule is included in the following lists:

Giant sequoias

Giant sequoias are the largest single-stem trees in the world and some of the oldest living beings in the world with proven age of 3,500 years. These trees grow in a small area: on the western slopes of Sierra Nevada mountains in California.

The wood of sequoias is very persistent – the sawdust of these trees remains unchanged for more than a century.

History

White people (Joseph Hardin Thomas) discovered the tree in 1862. In 1867 this tree got a special name – it was named after Ulysses S. Grant, general of Union Army and later president of the United States (1869 – 1877).

In 1890 this area got a nature conservation status – here was established General Grant National Park.

On April 28, 1926, this tree was declared the “Nation’s Christmas Tree” by President Calvin Coolidge. This was the result of the campaign by local activist Charles E. Lee.

In 1956 president Dwight D. Eisenhower declared this tree a National Shrine – memorial to those who died in the war. There is no other living being with such status.

These declarations are not just a formality – many people use every opportunity to visit this beautiful tree on Christmas and other special days.

Description

One of the largest trees in the world

General Grant Tree is the largest tree in the General Grant Grove and the third largest tree in the world by volume. Two larger trees are also giant sequoias: General Sherman and President.

The base part of General Grant Tree is very impressive and until 1931 it was considered that this is the largest tree in the world (another candidate was Boole Tree). Then exact measurements were made and it turned out that another tree named General Sherman was a bit larger. Later it was found that also a tree named “President” is larger and now General Grant is the third largest tree in the world.

Age

Also, the purported age of this tree has “decreased” – while earlier many mentioned that this tree is certainly older than 2,000 years but now, after research, it is estimated that this tree is some 1,650 years old.

Stoutest giant sequoia?

The tree is exceptional in every sense, but it is possible that this is also the stoutest giant sequoia. On the ground, it has a circumference of 32.8 m but at the breast height – 27.8 m. These numbers make giant sequoia one of the stoutest trees in the world.

There are sequoias with a bigger circumference at the ground level. Thus Waterfall Tree in Alder Creek Grove has a circumference of 47 m at the ground level. This giant number is due to a buttress – and, when measuring the circumference properly, there is taken a height of 1.3 – 1.4 m ABOVE the buttresses.

General Grant Tree is included in the following articles and lists:

Grove of Titans

Fairly recently – in May 1998 Dr. Steve Sillet and Michael Taylor discovered a grove of some of the world’s largest trees and named it – Grove of Titans. In this amazing sector of redwoods grow the largest coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) by trunk volume, such as Lost Monarch (the largest by wood volume), Del Norte Titan, El Viejo Del Norte and the twin tree – Screaming Titans whose “double” trunk has a circumference of 28.6 m.

This grove has been preserved in pristine condition and the location of this grove is secret in order to prevent treading of soil and possible vandalism in this unique place. Wondermondo also does not know this location and the map here shows just an occasional location in the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

It seems though that quite many people know this location – there are faint trails around the trees. Wondermondo agrees, that such an amazing place should be kept possibly intact: for mass tourism, there are quite many places in redwoods that have all the necessary trails and fences.

Stoutest coast redwood

Del Norte Titan was discovered on May 11, 1998, and this beautiful tree has the largest circumference of a single trunk in its species and the fourth-largest volume of wood.

A serious contender to this title is Lost Monarch just across the nearby Mill Creek. This giant tree has a larger circumference (24.13 m) (1), it is also taller – a fantastic 97.84 m and has a larger wood volume, but its circumference includes several trunks.

References

1. National Register of Big Trees 2014, accessed on July 9, 2014

Del Norte Titan is included in the following article:

Fig trees

Fig trees (Ficus) have more than 850 species and are very diverse – smaller plants, shrubs, and also trees, which grow in tropics all around the world. Several kinds of fig trees belong to the largest trees in the world, such as the Millenium Tree in Maria Aurora (Philippines) which has a trunk circumference of some 32 – 45 m.

Chinese banyans

One of the most common fig trees is the Chinese banyan (Ficus macrocarpa L.f.) which grows in South-Eastern Asia, China, Australia, and many islands in Oceania.

Chinese banyan, for the most part, grows as banyan – with many trunks scattered over a large area. Nevertheless, it happens that the Chinese banyan has its own central trunk and such trees can be extremely large.

Banyans of Tanna

Some of the largest Chinese banyans (locally called nepuk) grow on Tanna – a gorgeous island in Vanuatu. Sometimes there is mentioned that these trees belong to Ficus prolixa species.

This island has preserved its own traditional way of life, which elsewhere in Oceania is remembered just in the books and tales from the 19th century. Here still are revered ancient rites, locals believe that spirits of the deceased still travel their mysterious ways, and, of course, the giant banyan trees still serve as the centers of traditional villages.

In the central part of Tanna are traditional villages where local people live as if there is no modern age – so-called kastom villages.

Banyans there sustain many kinds of life – many types of insects are associated with them, in the trees live numerous birds, and there grow many kinds of other plants, lichens, and fungi. But according to local beliefs, there are also other kinds of beings – there are tales about diverse spirits living in the trees.

Some Tanna banyans belong to the largest trees in the world. Thus, locals believe that Kaluas banyan some 6 km to the south of Lomteuheakal is the largest tree in the world. Kaluas is an amazing banyan with many trunks and it is even hard to understand where is the main trunk. The circumference of this aggregation of trunks is 170 m.

Some giant banyan trees are used for ritual purposes, with small houses built in them, e.g. in Yakel village boys after the circumcision live in a house built on the top of a giant banyan tree. At the foot of this giant people gather in the evenings, drink kava, and dance. Such a place is called nakamal or yimwayim.

Lomteuheakal banyan

Lomteuheakal is not exactly the most traditional village as it is located on a road that crosses the island and is a popular tourist route. But this place most certainly has a traditional flavor. The centerpiece of this village is a giant banyan on the road. Next to the banyan is a marketplace (former nakamal?) where locals are trading fruits and vegetables. The tree seems to be a popular gathering place.

Banyan in Lomteuheakal has a single central trunk which looks very impressive. Wondermondo has not found information about the circumference of this tree but there are multiple images with people standing next to the tree. Thus it is easy to compare the height of people with the diameter of the tree: the diameter of the tree is at least 8 m but most likely a bit more. Thus we can assume that its circumference is 26 m or more.

These are very approximate assumptions – but this is sufficient information to conclude that banyan in Lomteuheakal has one of the thickest tree trunks in the world.

References

1. Joël Bonnemaison. The Tree and the Canoe: History and Ethnogeography of Tanna. 1994.

Some images of Banyan in Lomteuheakal

• Image by Bronwen Lee, taken in October 2013, Flickr
• Image by meyerak with many happy villagers, taken in November 2006, Flickr
• Image by whitwirth images, taken in December 2012, Flickr
• Image by Helena Jinx, taken in March 2010, Flickr
• Image by Dave and Ruth Clayton, taken in June 2008, Flickr

Banyan in Lomteuheakal is included in the following lists:

Camphor trees

Cinnamomum camphora are enormous, evergreen trees that grow in southern China, southern Japan, Korea, Vietnam, as well as many other countries where it has been introduced and often turned into invasive species.

Every part of this tree contains camphor and for centuries these trees have been used for the extraction of this substance, which was used as a food additive, medicine, part of incense, and other products.

These trees can reach an enormous size and some of the largest (if not the very largest) are found in Japan, mostly in ancient temple grounds. At least six camphor trees in Japan have a circumference of 20 m or more and the second largest after Kamou no Ohkusu – camphor tree at Kinomiya shrine, Atami – has a circumference of 23.9 m.

Description of the tree

Kamou no Ohkusu is a very old tree (estimated age at least 1,500 years) and a legendary tree. Legends about the founding of Kamou and unfortunate love stories are linked to this tree. The tree is located on the grounds of Hachiman Jinja – Shinto temple. Every year in November here takes place festivity Donto Matsuri.

The tree at the height of 1.3 m has a circumference of 24.22 m (measured in 2001). At the ground level, the circumference increases to 40 m. The tree is enormous, it rises 30 m tall and the crown has a diameter of 34 m.

The tree has been damaged by the fierce typhoons in 1997 and 2004 but local townspeople do whatever possible to keep care of this natural monument.

Kamou no Ohkusu is a national monument of Japan since 1952. In 2001 there was built elevated walkway in order to protect the root system.

Inside the tree is a large hollow, with an area of some 13 m², just like a pretty large room. This hollow was a popular resting place for homeless people until April 2000, when a locked door was installed in front of this unusual room. Next to the tree is also a school and also children earlier loved to hide in the hollow.

Kamou no Ohkusu is included in the following article:

Baobabs of Madagascar

Out of nine species of baobabs that are known to science in Madagascar grow six species of baobabs out of nine known to the science. All these six species grow exclusively in Madagascar. These baobabs are:

• fony baobab (Adansonia rubrostipa) – comparatively smaller baobab, but with very impressive, bottle shaped trunk. Found in the western part of Madagascar.
• Grandidier’s baobab (Adansonia grandidieri) – enormous, beautiful tree, one of symbols of Madagascar. These trees are increasingly rare and grow only in the dry tropical forest of south-western Madagascar. A group of these trees forms the famous “Avenue of Baobabs”.
• Madagascar baobab (Adansonia madagascariensis) – large tree, found in the north of the island.
• Perrier’s baobab (Adansonia perrieri) – large, up to 30 m tall tree which is very rare and found only in the north of island.
• Suarez baobab (Adansonia suarezensis) – large trees with characteristi flat-topped crown, found only in the north of the island.
• za baobab (Adansonia za) – most common baobab in Madagascar, reaches very large size.

Largest tree in Madagascar?

Reakaly village is located in the south-west of Madagascar – an area with the unique Madagascaran dry forest ecosystem. This eerie landscape is adorned with spiky, greyish-brown plants of fantastic forms.

Not far from this village is located a sacred tree – baobab of giant size. This picturesque tree is surrounded by a small grove of smaller trees and bushes and is revered by locals for centuries long. According to local legends, in the 12th century in the hollow (approximately 20 m² large) of this tree were hiding people of the Zanakang clan from the hostile Fahavalo clan.

This fantastic tree belongs to Adansonia za species. The trunk of the tree has a circumference of 23 m, which makes it the largest known tree in Madagascar. Plaque at the tree notes that the circumference is 27 m, but this most likely is the circumference at the ground level.

In the hollow of Reakaly baobab live hundreds of bats, countless cockroaches, and other living beings. Under the tree lives (or lived?) even Madagascar ground boa.

Images of this tree are available here:

• Dave’s Garden, PlantFiles: Picture #1 of Baobab (Adansonia za)
• Dave’s Garden, PlantFiles Pictures: chanin picture (Baobab (Adansonia za))
• routard.com, Le baobab d’Ampanihy

References

1. Jérôme Hutin, Madagascar, Venerable Trees.

Reakaly baobab is included in the following articles:

Valley of the Giants

In the subtropical forest of eastern Australia and Tasmania grow many giant eucalypts, including such amazing landmarks as the 99.82 m tall Centurion. Western Australia in comparison to these lush lands might seem to be barren – but here also exist pockets of unique giant eucalypt forests.

The most impressive is Valley of the Giants. In fact, this is not a true valley but a sector of pristine forest in the beautiful Walpole – Nornalup National Park.

This is a truly unique forest, a relic of an ancient, more wet climate with numerous unique species of plants and animals. Here is the highest orchid diversity in Australia – 104 species, 37 plants from this area are exclusive – endemic. In the forest live some unique animals – such as the frog Geocrinia lutea or the relict species of spiders Moggridgea tingle and Micropholcomma linnaei (the last was discovered in the fallen leaves of Giant Tingle Tree). These species have not been frozen in time but evolved, adapted to the changing environment.

Red tingle

Most spectacular local species is red tingle (Eucalyptus jacksonii) – giant eucalypt. This tree is found almost exclusively in Walpole-Nornalup National Park and is a relict of former tropical forests. The tree has well adapted to local conditions – it grows in areas with comparatively high rainfall (up to 1,300 mm per annum) and frequent fires. Fire may burn out the trunk of the tree but it nevertheless survives – the outer rim of the trunk is well protected and continues to maintain the crown with water and nutrients. Valley of Giants (and also Giant Tingle Tree) has experienced forest fires in 1937 and 1951.

Red tingle is adapted also to solid granite bedrock – it has a shallow root system and the giant, up to 70 m tall tree is kept by a massive, buttressed trunk.

Mother of the forest – Giant Tingle Tree

There are rumors that earlier existed larger tingle trees – with a circumference up to 26 m. One enormous and popular tree (also often called Giant Tingle Tree) fell down in 1990.

The current Giant Tingle Tree (“Hollow trunk”) was noticed by Ted Bellanger in 1952. In these times there was taken a photograph with a car inside the hollow.

This giant tree is very unusual – it is “emptied out” by a giant hollow. This hollow is some 15 m high and has been created by forest fires and further expanded by insects and fungus. Now in this hollow can enter one hundred people – and it still would not feel congested. The tree looks as if it may fall in the next storm but it miraculously stands and persists.

It is assessed that the Giant Tingle Tree is some 400 years old. The tree has lost the upper half of its trunk and thus is much lower than many other old red tingles. The upper branches of the tree are broken by winds and lightning.

Giant Tingle Tree is a popular tourist destination – not too far from it is located car park and there is an 800 m long circular walk towards the tree.

Not too far are other giant red tingle trees – “Pleated Lady” with a circumference of 18.6 m and height of 38 m, “Grey Bark” with a circumference of 17.0 m and height of 40 m, “Big Red” with a circumference of 16.5 m and height of 52 m.

References

1. National Register of Big Trees. Accessed 29.07.14.

Giant Tingle Tree is included in the following list:

Sacred tree

Once upon a time, Skhtorashen village was lively, full of people. Nowadays it is almost abandoned and the lush vegetation of Karabakh takes over the sites where some decades ago were standing houses. War and political uncertainty have left a heavy toll on this gorgeous land.

Not far from the village stands silent witness – giant tree. This plane tree, reportedly, is more than 2,000 years old and has seen a lot during its long life. According to stories this tree – Tnjri – has been visited by many famous people – such as the inventor of the Armenian alphabet Mesrop Mashtots (the 5th century AD), first Armenian historian Movses Khorenatsi (the 5th century AD), musician and poet Sayat-Nova (the 18th century).

The tree is sacred to local people and traditions prohibit doing any harm to Tnjri. Not always this veneration is good for the tree – there are left countless inscriptions in the giant hollow, often there have been left burning candles in the hollow.

Unfortunately, more than once there have been attempts to incinerate the tree in the past but nevertheless, it lives. For a while, there was hired a guard to protect Tnjri.

Largest plane-tree in the world?

The circumference of the tree is very large – 27 m. It is not known to Wondermondo whether this is measured at the base of Tnjri or at the classic 1.3 m height. One source (In Russian: Anokhin G.I., 1999., Three fates) states that circumference at the base is 31.5 m, thus it is possible that 27 m are measured at the breast height.

The height of Tnjri is very impressive – 54 m. The tree has a hollow with an area of 44 m², and the projection of foliage on the ground is 1,400 m² large.

Between the roots of this tree starts Tengru spring – the main supply of water to Skhtorashen village. Tengru in Armenian means “remote water”.

Tnjri was declared to be the largest and oldest tree in the former Soviet Union. Most likely it is the largest plane tree in the world.

It is known that some time ago there was a larger one: in the last century there existed a giant plane tree in Turkey, Büyükdere village which, reportedly, had 32 m in circumference – but no trace of this tree remains.

Tnjri is included in the following articles:

Giant banyan tree

This giant of Maria Aurora is a balete tree – a kind of banyan (Ficus balete or, possibly – Ficus benjamina0. Often there is mentioned that this is the largest banyan tree in Asia. In fact, this can not be proved or disclaimed: there are many ways to measure the size of the tree, especially banyans and there certainly are many noble contenders for the title of the largest banyan tree in the world.

It is very hard to find the exact circumference or diameter of old banyan trees due to aerial roots. As the tree becomes older more and more aerial roots enclose the main trunk, one after another they grow into the older trunks, and finally, it is not possible to find the middle behind the dense network of these roots.

Due to aerial roots, the lower part of Maria Aurora balete looks weird: like a pile of countless aerial roots. Higher above this “heap” rise enormous, tall branches.

People actually can pass between the stems of enormous aerial roots and go INSIDE the Aurora balete tree – most likely the original stem has been lost and there has formed a large hollow. Stems rise high above the head, twisting and joining and holding the weight of the giant tree.

The tree has a diameter of some 12 – 15 m. This is more than any other tree in the world (Árbol del Tule in Mexico has a diameter of 11.62 m) but it can be disputed whether Millenium Tree has the stoutest trunk in the world because it consists of numerous smaller aerial roots and trunks.

Balete is very tough – the 60 – 65 m tall and 60 m wide crown has survived numerous extreme typhoons.

The tree is carbon-dated to be between 400 – 600 years old.

Mystical creatures and tourists

Among the local Ilongot people the tree has got good fame – they prayed here for good hunting.

Filipino folklore is rich with ghost stories and many people believe that in the Aurora Balete tree, there are living gruesome supernatural beings like “kapres”, “impakto” and “diwatas”. Kapre is similar to a human, but two-three meters high, almost black, stinky, and hairy, with enormous glowing green eyes. He likes to sit in balete tree and smoke. Impakto is a demon who takes a form of a small baby but actually is killing people. Diwatas are noble creatures – these spirits guard the forest and trees.

In earlier times here was established Balete Park, with an entrance fee and with people looking after the tree. It was not allowed to climb the balete. Unfortunately, nowadays it looks much worse: the soil around the tree has been trampled and numerous tourists are climbing this wonder of nature, countless names have been engraved in the bark of the tree. The overall health of the tree is worsening.

References

1. Michael Sinjin A. Pineda, Largest Balete Tree in Asia, Maria Aurora, Libotero. Story with many pictures. Accessed on September 16, 2010.

Balete tree in Maria Aurora is included in the following list:

The largest tree in Africa?

This giant tree currently is the stoutest in the country. Some time ago the stoutest was Glencoe Baobab with an incredible diameter of 15.9 meters, but unfortunately, this tree split into two parts in November 2009. The tree unites amazing trunk size with a circumference of 33.72 meters (3.) with a significant height of 22 meters.

Sagole Tree is the largest one in overall appearance and possibly – the largest one in trunk volume.

Rather close to the ground the enormous tree divides into several trunks but it keeps the appearance of a single tree.

The age of Sagole Baobab has not been scientifically proven but most likely it well exceeds 1,000 years.

Venda people named the tree: muri kunguluwa – the tree that roars. This name comes from the sound of the wind blowing through its branches (4.).

Birds and tourists

The tree got another special value – it serves as a home for the colony of African birds – mottled spinetails (Telacanthura ussheri) which don’t create colonies that often (5).

This beautiful monument of nature is well known to curious travelers and Limpopo province is planning (or hopefully has done it already) to develop basic tourist facilities including an asphalted road up to the tree and possibly a boardwalk around the tree to avoid trampling. Such boardwalks are advised as the feet of tourists compact the soil preventing the water from infiltrating the soil and thus unnecessarily weakening the Sagole Baobab (1).

Tshulu Trust

Not too far from Sagole Baobab, in HaMakuya is located Tshulu Trust – not-for-profit organisation which is actively promoting entrepreneurship in this region of South Africa, where unemployment exceeds 95%.

Among the many initiatives that could be mentioned are Tshulu Camp, local catering and baking company, sewing workshops exploring the fusion of Venda and European fashion, and other interesting businesses.

Thus – be invited to enjoy the beautiful Venda land with the kind assistance of Venda people and Tshulu Trust!

References

1. Siyabona Africa Travel, Kruger national park accomodation and safari guide. Accessed: the 20th January 2010
2. Venerable Trees by Jérôme Hutin. Was last accessed in the 20th January 2010
3. Declared List of Champion Trees. South African Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, November 2012
4. Gerald E. Wickens, Pat Lowe. The baobabs: pachycauls of Africa, Madagascar and Australia. 2008. ISBN: 978-1-4020-6430-2
5. Notice on declaration of particular trees and particular group of trees Champion Trees under section 12(1)a and (b) of the National Forests Act, 1998 (Act No.84 of 1998), as amended., Staatskoerant, 6 Dec 2006. Was last accessed on the 20th January 2010

Sagole Baobab is included in the following article: