Patriarca, Ancient tree in Vassununga State Park, Brazil.
Patriarca is a jequitiba-rosa tree in the Atlantic Forest section of Vassununga State Park with a trunk diameter of about 3.6 meters and a height of 40 meters. The massive trunk shows how slowly this tree has grown over centuries.
This jequitiba-rosa tree originated around 1437 and ranks among the oldest living organisms in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest region. Its age connects the history of the forest with the long human settlement of the region.
Local communities used the bark of jequitiba-rosa trees like this one for medicinal remedies and craft materials.
The tree is accessible through marked trails in Vassununga State Park and can be visited during park hours. It is wise to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days.
Scientists find it difficult to determine the exact age of this tree because dating methods show results ranging from 600 to 3,000 years. This wide range makes the tree a fascinating research subject for biologists.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
