Taxodium mucronatum

(Taxodiaceae)

“Mexican Cypress.” “Montezuma Cypress.” 

Mexico and Guatemala.

MAP LOCATION: 56

Taxodiums generally thrive in wet or swampy conditions, and indeed this species is related to the “Swamp” or “Bald Cypress” T.distichum. The difference ? The Swamp Cypress is a deciduous tree which flowers in Spring. The Mexican Cypress here is an evergreen or semi-evergreen tree which flowers in Autumn. Generally large growing to 40m or more, and long lived. These trees develop modified aerial roots in swampy conditions -“cypress kness”- which are cylindrical or oval projections.

The visitor can find at least a dozen specimens around an attractive pond area towards the western end of the Parque, though I have seen quotes of up to 30 at some point in the area.