Curiosities of nature

2023-06-01 -

The Tule Tree in Oaxaca, Mexico

In Oaxaca, Mexico, there is one of the trees with the largest trunk circumference in the world. The Tule tree, as it is known, exudes fullness at its nearly 2,000 years of age since, according to legend, it was planted in a sacred place. If 10 midsize cars were placed side by side in a circle, this would be about the same size as the circumference of this tree. The species is native to Mexico, although it is also found in very localized areas of southern Texas and northwestern Guatemala. In 1921, to celebrate the centenary of Mexican independence, the species was selected as a national tree for its splendor, beauty, longevity, colossal dimensions, and tradition. Fortunately, its wood is soft and weak, so it is not used for construction.
According to a Zapotec legend, it maintains that it was planted about 1,400 years ago by Pechocha, priest of Ehécatl, god of the wind. Another legend says that some leaders of the great nations met and decided to separate into 4 groups, heading to the 4 cardinal points and in each one they planted ahuehuetes, the great Tule would be one of them. There is a tendency to affirm that its location is a sacred site.