"In 2005, its trunk had a circumference of 119 feet, a slight increase from a measurement of 37.5 ft in 1982. However, the trunk is heavily buttressed, giving a higher diameter reading than the true cross-sectional of the trunk represents; when this is taken into account, the diameter of the 'smoothed out' trunk is 30.8 feet. This is still slightly larger than the next most stout tree known, aGiant Sequoia 29.5 ft diameter.
The height is difficult to measure due to the very broad crown; the 2005 measurement was 116 feet. According to the signboard by the tree it has a total weight of 636.107 tons; these figures are however not independently verified.
The age is unknown, with estimates ranging between 1,200 and 3,000 years, and even one claim of 6,000 years; the best scientific estimate based on growth rates is 1,433-1,600 years.Local Zapotec legend holds that it was planted about 1,400 years ago by Pechocha, a priest ofEhecatl, the Aztec storm god, in broad agreement with the scientific estimate; its location on a sacred site (later taken over by the Roman Catholic Church) would also support this" (Wikipedia).
Ricardo and I had a great time going and seeing El Tule. We walked through the gardens, saw the tree and did a bit of shopping. Oaxaca is such a fun place to be because there is so much to do, and everything is pretty close. We've seen El Tule. We have visited some ruins, and hope to visit the ruins at Monte Alban sometime soon.
Wow that is some tree!
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