A large South American conifer tree (Fitzroya cupressoides) native to Chile and Argentina, valued for its timber.
From Spanish 'alerce,' likely derived from Mapuche (indigenous language) origins. The tree was named by Spanish conquistadors who encountered it in the 16th century.
Alerce trees can live over 3,600 years—some individual trees were already ancient when the pyramids were built, making them among Earth's oldest living organisms!
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