The famous Tule tree sits in the atrium of the Santa Maria de la Asuncion temple in the town centre of Oaxaca, Mexico. It has been confirmed by botanists as being over 2,000 years old and is considered the biggest and oldest tree in the world. The perimeter of the Tule tree is 139 feet in circumference, measures 135 feet in height and weighs approximately 1, 119, 844 pounds. Over 500 people can stand under its shade, and 30 people holding hands can just reach around it.
The trunk and its’ branches take many different forms known popularly as “The Elephant”, “The Lion”, “The Three Wise Men” “The Deer”, “The Coconut”, and “The Fish”.
Tule is derived from the word “tullin”, which is an aquatic plant that grows in swamplands such as this used to be. The treetop resembles a great green cupola; the protuberances formed on its trunk resemble animals, fruits and, personalities, or figures.
Local legend stats that the Tule tree was planted 1,400 years ago by a priest of the Aztec storm god. On the second Monday in October, the Tule tree festival is celebrated by the people of Oaxaca.