No, that’s a large tree, not a tiny mountain.

Which tree is the biggest in the world? Of course, General Sherman is a strong candidate, but consider this.

The lаrgest tree in Cоlumbiа is lоcаted in Sаn Mаrcоs, аnd its file nаme is Cоlumbiа-Lаrgest-Tree-FB3.jpg.

There is a tree in the Caribbean region of Colombia that many wrongly refer to as “The Tree of Guacarí.” This massive tree, located in the same vicinity, bore a striking resemblance to the tree we are currently showcasing.

In the 1990s, Colombian 500 peso coins featured the tree known as the Samán of Guacarí, as shown in this image: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/96/8d/41/968d4161b05f4dbdf1a2489ef9e1872f.jpg. This Samanea saman, commonly called a rain tree, was chopped down in 1989 when its thick branches started to break apart.

The lаrgest tree in Cоlumbiа is lоcаted in Sаn Mаrcоs, аnd its nаme is Cоlumbiа Lаrgest Tree.The initial “The Tree of Guacarí” was a distinct species of tree that shared a similar appearance. Picture courtesy of Siembra

However, this article is about a different tree. Although it appears to be another classic Samanea saman, it’s not. No, it’s a Ficus, also known as a fig tree, which is a widely used ornamental plant in homes and gardens around the world. And it has become enormous.

One could mistake the enormous fig for a hill from a distance, as it is thought to be Colombia’s largest tree. In fact, you get the impression that it is much smaller than you are as you come closer. That makes sense, though, given that this behemoth is purported to be 30 meters tall and 75 meters in circumference; while we were unable to locate concrete evidence, the pictures appear to support this.

Arbol del Guacari.jpg can be found at https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/29.The tree has breathtakingly gorgeous foliage that resembles a green mountain, and its branches touch the ground in a gesture of respect for Mother Earth. They kiss the ground, but they also serve as supports that the tree itself produced because of the aerial roots that originate from the branches that are closest to the trunk.

The largest tree in Columbia is located in San Marcos, and its image is [Columbia Largest Tree, 2022/02].The tree has developed pillars to support its huge canopy. Photo credit: Traveling in the Summer

Indeed, it’s a beautiful sight. According to Viajar en Verano, being beneath this enormous tree gives the impression that one is in the basement of a massive building because of the numerous columns supporting the enormous mass. Because it has “feet” that guarantee its growth, some Latin Americans refer to it as “The Tree That Walks.” Its growing pillars are, in fact, like limbs via which it moves, spreading its branches to cover a greater area and either find more fertile land to feed on or receive the sun’s rays more directly.

The fact that the Tree of San Marcos is not a tree is even more intriguing. There are multiple trees there.

Columbia’s Biggest Tree, San Marcos, 3 p.j. https://earthlymission.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02There are six trees connected together, not just one. Photo credit: Traveling in the Summer

The formation of the green mass is superbly described by historian Raúl Ospino Rangel.

Everything began in 1964 when the Alejandría farm’s owner wished to preserve a yellow cedar tree he had planted. To keep the livestock from harming the young cedar, they surrounded the seedling with six fig tree poles.

On the other hand, the fig tree strut grew buds and then branches, which ultimately ended up consuming and devouring the yellow cedar, rather than providing the cedar tree with security.

Therefore, the “Giant Fig of San Marcos” is actually six separate plants linked and strengthened by aerial roots that they used to construct supports on the ground (https://earthlymission.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/columbia-largest-tree-san-marcos-38.jpg).

If you are ever fortunate enough to visit San Marcos on Colombia’s Atlantic coast, you should let yourself to be enveloped by the dark reaches of “The Most Beautiful Tree in Colombia.” You will undoubtedly be able to see it from a distance; the massive “green mountain” will first come into view approximately three kilometers before you enter the Alejandría estate.

One feels little, yet enhanced by the strong vitality of this tree, shielded by its branches. Hopefully, it will remain in place for a very long time.