Ficus microcarpa
One native feature that the developers used was the planting of hundreds of "Ficus microcarpa" known locally as the "Yucateco" brought from southern Mexico. It grows to heights exceeding 100 feet. Their common name implies that they are native to the state of Yucatán. These trees were well suited for the hot, humid climate of Empalme. They are still probably the most easily recognized feature of the town. In many places they cover entire streets for several blocks so that streets appear to be passing through a tunnel.