A majestic cork oak tree, whose impressive stature was first noted in a travel guide more than a century ago, has officially been verified as the world’s tallest of its kind. Located in Reynès, France, the colossal tree stands at an astonishing 21 meters (68 ft 10 in), a height comparable to a seven-story building.
The tree’s owner, Serge Arnaudiès, discovered its historical significance after finding an old travel diary from 1891 that described a “magnificent cork oak” in the area. Intrigued, he located the tree and, upon finding it on an unused piece of land, decided to purchase the property to protect it. Arnaudiès, a descendant of a long line of Catalan farmers, has since been a dedicated steward of the ancient tree, even stopping the traditional harvesting of its bark in the 1990s to ensure its long-term health.
The Reynès cork oak takes the title from Portugal’s renowned “Whistler Tree,” also known as Sobreiro Monumental, which was voted European Tree of the Year in 2018 and stands at a still impressive 16.2 meters (53 ft).
The cork oak species is native to the Mediterranean region and is highly valued for its thick, fire-resistant bark, which is used to produce everything from wine stoppers to flooring. The record-breaking tree in France is not only a symbol of natural beauty but also a testament to the longevity and resilience of this unique species.
Local residents and Arnaudiès himself hope that the tree’s new world record status will elevate its profile from a local landmark to a national treasure.
