Huge Rubber Tree in Buenos Aires
May 07, 2019
Photographer: Derek Kahle
Summary Authors: Rose Smith; Jim Foster
Shown above at top is my step-daughter, Dianne, embracing one of the oldest trees in Buenos Aires, Argentina; a huge rubber tree (Ficus elastica). Sometimes referred to as El Gran Gomero or Gomero de la Recoleta it’s thought to have been planted in the late 18th century, perhaps in 1791. It spreads out an amazing 164 ft (50 m) and is 66 ft (20 m) tall. Though naturally supported by conspicuous buttress roots, wooded poles (not seen in photos) are now needed to help support several large limbs. Buenos Aires is a city known for its green spaces and exotic tree specimens.