Accession Count: 2
Common Name:
Montezuma cypress
Family Name:
Cupressaceae
Botanical Name:
Taxodium huegelii
Sub Species:
Variety:
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Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The Montezuma bald cypress is a large evergreen or semi-evergreen tree that typically reaches heights of 60 to 100 feet with a massive trunk. 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.
Compound:
Tax hue
Geographic Origin:
Mexican Tropics
Ecozone Origin:
Neotropic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
This national tree of Mexico was given the name “Montezuma” because of its importance to the native communities of the past. 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 2000 to 5000 years old and has a 50-foot wide trunk with a circumference of 117.6 feet.
Cultivation Notes:
Ethnobotany:
It is believed that the tree was sacred to many Mexican civilizations because of its wide use for medicinal purposes. The Aztecs used 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. 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.
Height:
50 - 100 feet
Width:
20 - 50 feet
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Function:
Spread:
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Water Use:
