Colombia’s Caribbean region is home to an arboreal wonder so massive that it resembles a mountain from a distance. Often mistaken for a hill, this colossal tree, affectionately referred to as ‘The Tree of San Marcos,’ stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. As you draw closer to this botanical giant, its dimensions become apparent, and you’ll find yourself feeling quite small in its majestic presence.
This extraordinary tree is a Ficus, commonly known as the fig tree, a popular ornamental plant found in gardens and homes worldwide. Its colossal size has earned it the title of Colombia’s largest tree. While there is no definitive proof of its dimensions, the tree is estimated to be around 30 meters in height and 75 meters in diameter.
The tree’s striking foliage resembles a lush green mountain, with branches that gracefully touch the ground, as if paying homage to Mother Earth. What makes this tree even more remarkable is the fact that it has grown its own pillars. These pillars serve as natural supports, generated by aerial roots that extend from the branches furthest from the trunk.
Beneath this colossal tree, one might feel as if they are in the basement of a grand building, surrounded by numerous columns that support the immense canopy. Some people in Latin America affectionately call it ‘The Tree That Walks’ due to its ‘feet’—the pillars it has developed—to ensure its expansion. These pillars act as limbs that the tree uses to extend its branches to receive more direct sunlight or find fertile land.
Interestingly, the Tree of San Marcos is not just one tree; it’s actually six trees joined together. This incredible fusion occurred when the owner of the Alejandría farm planted a yellow cedar tree in 1964 and surrounded it with six fig tree saplings to protect it from cattle damage. Instead of safeguarding the cedar, the fig trees began to sprout buds and branches, eventually enveloping and absorbing the yellow cedar. This unique combination of trees, strengthened by aerial roots, formed the massive structure that stands today.
