Located in the lower reaches of the Los Nevados National Park in the Andes of central Colombia, is a very unique and beautiful spot – the Valle de Cocora. In this valley, and, apparently, only in this valley, nestled among the misty green hills, lives the tallest species of palm tree in the world, the Palma de Cera (wax palm).
These trees live up to a hundred years and usually grow over 160 feet tall and sometimes nearly 200 feet tall!
This palm species is unique, not only because of its height, but also because it has adapted to high altitudes – these palms live between 8200 feet and 9200 feet unlike most other palms that live at or near sea-level.
Wandering through this valley felt so dreamlike and surreal. I was constantly struck by the feeling that I was walking through a Dr. Seuss book!
The trunks of these trees are covered in wax and for years (before electricity came to the region), this wax was removed to make candles. In addition, the leaves of these trees were often cut (in the highly Catholic country of Colombia) to be used for the Palm Sunday religious celebrations. These practices, coupled with general use of the fruit and the trunks, nearly led to the extinction of the wax palm. In response, in 1985, the government designated this tree as the national tree of Colombia. It is now a protected species and cutting one down or damaging it in any way is punishable by fines and jail time.
I’m thankful that Colombia made such an (ongoing) effort to save these trees not only so that I could enjoy them but also so that hopefully future generations of Colombians and travelers alike can see the world of Dr. Seuss come to life!
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