Common Name(s): Mexican Bald Cypress, Montezuma Bald Cypress

Synonym(s):

Family: Taxodiaceae

Native To: Mexican Tropics

Native Habitat: Typically found in temperate highlands along rivers and streams

Growth Habit: Large semi-deciduous to evergreen tree

Flowering: Inconspicuous; flowers in the spring

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Montezuma Bald Cypress is a large semi-deciduous to evergreen tree that typically reaches heights of 60 to 100 feet with massive trunks. The pyramidal crown has a spread of about 25 to 35 feet. The branches tend to droop as the tree matures. The leaves are alternate and simple. Each blade is pale green and commonly less than 2 inches long. The needle-like leaves are only deciduous in cooler areas, but remain on the tree elsewhere. The tree produces inconspicuous, non-showy flowers in the spring. These give way to dry, hard, brown, oval fruit. The fruit is about 2 inches and is also inconspicuous.

Natural History and Cultivation Notes: This national tree of Mexico was given the name “Montezuma” because of its importance to the native communities of the past. Mexico takes pride in this native tree and names many of their important ones. The Tree of Montezuma, in Chapultec Park, Mexico City, has been recorded at 170 feet tall and about 700 years old. The El Arbor del Tule in Oaxaca, Mexico, is estimated to be between 2,000 to 5,000 years old and has a 50-foot wide trunk with a circumference of 117.6 feet.

Ethnobotany: The wood is used in Mexico to make fine furniture and in general construction. This tree was heavily used for its timber in the construction of Tenochtitlan and Mexico City. T. mucronatum has been used medicinally for quite some time. The Aztecs used to use the gummy resin produced after the tree was cut to treat wounds, ulcers, gout, and skin diseases. The leaves were also used as a cure and relaxant for itching. Many other parts of the tree were also used as medicine, and many still employ these techniques today. It is believed that the tree was sacred to many Mexican civilizations because of its wide use for medicinal purposes.

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