The ficus of the Palermo Botanical Garden has been elected 'Italian tree of the year 2022', in the context of the competition promoted by Giant Trees Foundation, in collaboration and with the patronage of the Ministry of Agricultural Policies. With almost 42 votes, the large centuries-old plant won the challenge among the most important botanical gardens in the Belpaese, competing with their most representative trees.
The ficus tree of the year 2022
The Palermo ficus, 25 meters high and 173 years old, will represent Italy in the European contest in 2023 as the most fascinating and historically rich tree of our arboreal heritage. Also within the context of the contest, he will challenge the other winners of the 18 nations participating in the contest. The spectacular plant, which arrived from Australia, is the first of a large family that now populates the streets and green corners of Palermo. It belongs to the species dei “strangler figs”, because they engulf every plant or material they encounter in their development. It is also known as "Ficus magnolioide Borzì", due to the similarity of its leaves to those of the magnolia grandiflora.
Botanical garden, identity heritage of Palermo
"We are proud of this result, which demonstrates the affection and consideration of a large community of enthusiasts, citizens, towards our Botanical Garden and our large tree, which has always been its most important ambassador. It is a result that increases our responsibilities and rewards the work of all those who work every day to ensure the beauty and future of our garden.
A special thanks goes to our community, from the magnificent rector, to the students, to the staff, to the teachers of theUniversity of Palermo. Thank you for their commitment and participation, testifying to the strong identity role of our Botanical Garden, an irreplaceable heritage and ambassador, in the world, of our university and our city". These are the considerations of Rosario Schicchi and Paolo Inglese, respectively director of the botanical garden and director of the university museum system.
(Photo Palermo Botanical Garden official page)
