The Ahuhuete is one of the most common names of the Taxodium mucranatum, a tree that belongs to the cupresáceas and is of Mexican, Texan and Guatemalan origin. In turn, it is also the national tree of Mexico, which was chosen in the celebration of the independence of that country in 1921.
On the other hand, this tree can also be found in Spain, specifically in the Retiro Gardens in Madrid and in the Prince Garden in the same city.
Stages of the Ahuehuete life cycle
El mexican cypress (as it is also known) is a tree that is characterized by being quite long-lived, which is why it is called ahuehute (tree that never grows old). In addition, they are really beautiful, they manage to reach great heights of 20 to 50 meters and it is part of many traditions, legends, stories and they have even attributed sacred qualities.
They are also trees that can live in extreme temperatures on both sides, that is, from the hottest climates to the coldest; since these are nourished through the roots that are usually quite deep and that in addition, the soil maintains a different temperature.
Being a living being, it has its own life cycle and because it is widely recognized in various parts of the world, it is also a typical object of study in some schools. For that reason we have sought information that allows us to make a detailed description about their life stages, in order to know more about it.
Siembra
The ahuehuete is a tree that can be obtained naturally or artificially. In the case of the natural way, you need moist soil so that the seeds can germinate correctly, in addition to needing to receive direct sunlight. In addition, it is recommended to look for areas where there are air currents. For the artificial method you should consult the reproduction apparatus.
In ancient times, the tree was planted by the Aztecs long before colonization; They were looking for areas near streams (such as waterfalls) where wet soils were found and the areas were fertile for crops or crops.
Development
The first years of growth in the life cycle of Ahuehuete are very different from other types of trees, since they can “take root” more easily. In addition, it is able to withstand periods of droughts and is immune to most diseases resulting from the modification of the pH in the soil where it is planted.
The Mexican cypress, as we mentioned earlier, can measure an average of 35 meters high, depending on its age and various factors such as the site where it is planted. However, the vast majority are colossal in size, which is why they are also called "giants." In addition, not only the height is surprising, but they also reach up to 40 meters wide, with respect to the entire area occupied by them.
Regarding their age, most of the Taxodium mucranatum are over 500 years old and even today it is possible to find cypress trees over 1.000 years old; so the nickname coined is quite right, since it is a tree that never gets old compared to us.
These trees have the ability to have their green leaves throughout their lives, a characteristic called "permanent foliage”, Which is possible thanks to the constant development of new leaves that supplant the old ones when they fall. However, this ability may fail when the tree does not receive enough water through its roots.
Reproduction
These trees do not have flowers. However, these produce outbreaks of both genders (male and female) between the first quarter of the year; which are pollinated through the currents of the wind and form the "pineapples", thus called a kind of capsules that contain the seeds and that the breeze is responsible for spreading.
In the event that the seed falls into a soil with favorable conditions for its germination, the cycle will repeat itself again.
Curiosities of ahuehuete
- There are really old specimens, like the Tree of Tule found in Oaxaca, Mexico; which is believed to be over 1.500 years old.
- Those with a large diameter such as the Tule Tree (more than 40 meters) have the capacity to house more than 450 people in its shade.
- Regrettably It is in danger of extinction, which is why there are some agencies in charge of repopulating the lands with them.
- In alternative medicines its leaves, bark and resin are usually used.
We hope that the information provided about the life cycle of the Ahuehuete will allow you to learn a little more about it and perhaps reflect on the importance of caring for the environment to avoid losing such magnificent specimens as these works of nature.
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