Monumental Trees in the heart of Pollino

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Monumental trees are defined as plants with particular landscape, natural, monumental and cultural-historical value.
Among the requisites that are taken into consideration to define a tree as monumental are: size, the plant must be very large for the species or larger than the other individuals of the same species present in the area examined; longevity, in some cases, very old plants may not reach exceptional dimensions and if it is known or understood that a plant is very long-lived, it should be considered monumental; historical requisites, all plants linked to a relevant historical event are to be considered monumental; rarity, a plant, very rare in general or rare in a certain area, has great biological value); landscape and historical-architectural requirements, all plants that are important in the landscape and in areas of historical and architectural importance are of interest.
In Calabria there is a huge number of Monumental Trees, which are often found in places of great naturalistic and landscape impact, through real hiking trails of extreme beauty.

A route suitable for everyone, accessible by car in spring, summer and autumn.

Albidona

Albidona is a small and ancient mountain centre located between the Alto Ionio Cosentino and the Pollino massif, almost at the border with Basilicata. Its territory extends down to the sea with a short stretch of pinewood and a small beach.
The territory of Albidona is in a particular position, going from the sea, near the Saracen Tower, to the actual village.
The landscape aspect is interesting, thanks to the altitude that allows you to enjoy spectacular views over the whole Ionian Gulf from Taranto to Cariati.

Characteristics of the tree
Species: Pyrus pyraster (L.) Burgsd
Municipality: C.da Praino - Albidona (CS)
Dendrometric height: 6m
Number of stems: 2
Trunk circumference at 1.30 m: 70-135 m
Latitude: 39°9227,15
Longitude: 16°4737,54
Altitude: 750 m asl
Located in the historic centre of Albidona, the wild pear tree known as U praine i mastr Giuguann is about 450 years old and is dear to the community because it was the place of departure for emigrants and soldiers going off to war.
The name refers to a blacksmith who worked in Albidona towards the end of the 18th century and was called Giovanni Oriolo, nicknamed "mastro Giovanni".

Characteristics of the tree
Species: Pinus Halepensis Mill
Municipality: Forra Martino - Albidona (CS) - ZPS Alto Ionio Cosentino protected area
Dendrometric height: 18.5m
Trunk circumference at 1.30 m: 3.80m
Latitude: 39°9097,08
Longitude: 16°4866,976
Altitude: 536 m asl
The Canescente Poplar is rooted on the edge of an asphalt road near a fountain called Fontana Lungro. Its peculiarity lies in the particular conformation of its branches.

Characteristics of the tree
Species: Pinus Halepensis Mill
Municipality: Forra Martino - Albidona (CS) - ZPS Alto Ionio Cosentino protected area
Dendrometric height: 18.5m
Trunk circumference at 1.30 m: 3.80m
Latitude: 39°9097,08
Longitude: 16°4866,976
Altitude: 536 m asl
A beautiful specimen of Aleppo Pine towering imposingly to a height of about 20 metres.

Characteristics of the tree
Species: Ostrya carpinifolia
Municipality: locality Ficaro - Buovicino (CS) - ZPS Alto Ionio Cosentino protected area
Dendrometric height: 12m
Trunk circumference at 1.30 m: 3m
Latitude: N 39° 41' 06''
Longitude: E 15° 55' 34''
Altitude: 825 m asl
The Carpino Nero, or Càrpinu, is exceptionally large for the species, which is often found in coppice forests and is very small. The tree grows on a rocky outcrop in the middle of a holm oak wood, surrounded by thick cords of ivy. The conformation of the trunk and the protuberances present testify to the fact that the tree has been subjected to the practice of gouging. The branches continually removed during the growing season served as fodder for grazing cattle in a particularly poor environment such as the holm oak woodland. Age 100-120 years.