RICHMOND (AP) -- An ancient bald cypress dating back 1,000 years or more has died in a remote swamp 80 miles southeast of Richmond.

Dubbed Big Mama, the largest tree in Virginia towered over Cypress Bridge, a swamp in the Nottoway River. The 40 acres of virgin wilderness is so remote, its existence wasn't reported until 2005.

Experts said the cypress was at least 1,000 years old, and perhaps older.

Observers first detected the tree's declining health one year ago. They reported seeing reddish sap oozing from its trunk.

Then, in the spring, when other cypresses were showing new leaves, Big Mama was barren.

Big Mama was 123 feet tall, with a massive, flared base that measured 12 1/2 feet wide.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)