Spain Trees

Olive:

You could ask if life would be worth living without this tree.

They only grow slowly so take a long time to do their absorption work but this tree not only converts yucky old CO2 into wonderful olive oil but they can live (and safely store the bad stuff) for 3000 years.

They can survive on very small amounts of rainfall so are well placed to cope with the future climate of Andalucia.

 

Cherry:

Turns atmospheric carbon into arguably the most beautiful blossom display on the planet.

These trees can also handle very dry conditions though they need irrigating to produce fruit. Called Cereza in Spanish, the close grained timber is great for woodworking.

 

 

Almond:

Originating in the Levant, the almond is a small tree growing to a maximum of around 5 metres at this altitude and produces fine blossom. 

Almond seeds which are high in vitamin e are used in marzipan, nougat and baklava whilst the kernels can be pressed to make a great massage oil or even cyanide!

Down in Andalucia they make a desert called Turron from the ‘Almendra.’

 

 

Sweet Chestnut:

Known as Castanea in Andalucia, the sweet chestnut has been cultivated since Roman times.

It needs water to flourish which in the Alpuharras is afforded by ‘acequia’ or irrigation channels which date from the Moors who first colonised this part of Spain in the 8th Century using skills learnt in North Africa.

It produces a light strong and durable timber which is used locally for roof beams or ‘bigas’.

Can take up to 20 years to bear fruit and provides welcome shade from the powerful Andalucian sun.