The ahuehuete tree species, native to Mexico, is known as the 'Old Man of the River' and is the national tree of Mexico.
The original tree selected for this spot in 2022 suffered from severe transplant shock and appeared dead for over a year before showing signs of recovery.
The tree was sourced from the Viveros Regionales de Montemorelos in Nuevo León.
The name 'ahuehuete' originates from the Nahuatl word 'āhuēhuētl', translating to 'upward water drum' or 'old man of the water'.
The roundabout serves as a frequent assembly point for social and political activism in the Cuauhtémoc borough.
The Glorieta del Ahuehuete is a high-profile roundabout located on Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City, currently featuring a young ahuehuete tree planted in 2022. This site replaced the long-standing Glorieta de la Palma after the palm tree was removed due to a pathogenic fungus. The current specimen is a Taxodium mucronatum, a species native to Mexico known for its longevity and cultural significance. The space is heavily fortified with metal fencing and surrounded by a pedestrian-accessible plaza. Its status remains a point of public debate regarding urban design and the selection of national symbols for public spaces. The roundabout sits at the intersection of major urban arteries, serving as a focal point for political protests and civic demonstrations.
From the pedestrian sidewalk on the corner of the roundabout, capturing the tree with the backdrop of Reforma's skyscrapers.
Visit during daylight hours to safely navigate the surrounding busy traffic circles.
Combine your visit with a walk down the Paseo de la Reforma to see nearby monuments and the Chapultepec forest.
Be aware that the site is often heavily guarded and fenced, limiting close-up access to the tree itself.
Do not attempt to cross the busy Reforma traffic lanes; use designated pedestrian crossings to reach the center.
