Davie, FL. (2024 Sept.) Four more trees at Flamingo Gardens have been recognized as Champion trees, certifying them as the largest of their species in the state, by the Florida Forest Service. Two others have been recognized as Challengers, ranking them as second largest in the state and the challenger to the current Champion. This adds to the existing collection of 15 Champion Trees, bringing the new total number to 19 Champion trees at Flamingo Gardens, and making it the largest collection of Champion trees in one location!
The four new trees recognized as Champions include the species Hura crepitans, Mangifera indica, Aleurites moluccana, and Ficus religiosa. The Hura crepitans, commonly called Sandbox tree or Dynamite tree, stands at a whopping 101 feet tall and a trunk circumference of 159 inches. The Mangifera indica, or Mango tree, is 78 feet tall with a circumference of 150 inches, while the Aleurites moluccana, or Kukui Nut tree, stands at 80 feet tall with a 90-inch circumference. The Ficus religiosa, or Sacred Fig, derives its name from its status as a sacred plant to the Hindus and Buddhists, under which Buddha is believed to have sat in meditation and received enlightenment. This new Champion is 87 feet tall and 230 inches in circumference.
Two other trees were named Challenger Trees, as they are next in line to challenge the current Champion trees of those species. Those trees are another Dynamite Tree, Hura crepitans, standing at 88 feet tall and 132 inches in circumference, and a Gumbo Limbo tree, Bursera simaruba, which looms at 45 feet tall and 120 inches in circumference.
The Champion Tree Program was created by the American Forests organization in 1940 to recognize the largest known tree of each species in the United States. Each year, American Forests publishes its National Register of Champion Trees.
In 1975, Florida began keeping a state register, the Florida Champion Tree Register, to recognize the largest tree of each species in the state. The register now contains hundreds of trees, including some national champions. All native and non-invasive naturalized tree species are eligible for nomination.
Champion Trees at Flamingo Gardens are a remarkable feature of the botanical garden. Flamingo Gardens is home to some of the oldest and largest trees in Florida, and boasts the largest and most diverse collection of these Champion tree giants. These four new Champions join the many other celebrated Champion trees at Flamingo Gardens including a Cavanillesia platanifolia, or Quipo tree; Ficus racemosa, or Cluster Fig; Sterculia apetala, or Panama tree; and the giant Enterolobium cyclocarpum, or Earpod tree, to name just a few.
When you visit Flamingo Gardens, you’ll find yourself in a serene, tropical environment where giant trees serve as living landmarks of Florida’s natural history and biodiversity. You can now stand in awe of four more towering giants. Take a moment to admire their beauty and reflect on the vital role they play in preserving our ecosystem for future generations.
