Kokora - the valley of unique palm trees

The wax palm or Celoxylon Andean is the national tree of Colombia and the tallest palm in the world. This type of palm grows in large groups exclusively in the high mountain valley of Cocora (Quindio Department, northwestern Colombia). These trees are unique in nature and are the hallmark of Colombia.

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1. The Cocora Valley is located in the upper reaches of the Quindio River (the main river of the Department of Quindio), at an altitude between 1800 and 2400 meters.

2. The valley is also the so-called entrance to the National Natural Park "Los Nevados", which is located on the territories of four departments of Colombia (Tolima, Caldas, Quindio and Risaralda) and covers an area of 60 km2.

3. The valley is located at a high altitude, which is why it is almost always overcast. Tall palm trees piercing the clouds are a breathtaking, and even slightly unrealistic view.

4. Wax palms grow up to 50 meters and live for about 120 years.

5. Their leaves are dark green with a grayish tint, the trunk is cylindrical, smooth, light and covered with wax.

6. Before the invention of electricity, palm wax was used in the manufacture of soap and candles.

7. The outer part of the trunk was used to build houses and water systems.

8. The fruits served as food for cattle and pigs.

9. For centuries, Christians have cut leaves from palm trees to celebrate Palm Sunday. They used the leaves to make lavish bouquets to celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

10. The uncontrolled felling of palms by local residents has led to the fact that the Colombian government was forced to take measures to save the remaining trees.

11. Since 1985, a decree drawn up by the Catholic Church and the government of Colombia has prohibited the felling of trees under the threat of a fine. And the preserved trees still grow in the Kokora Valley, where they can be seen and touched.