This tree is surrounded by small stands of holm oaks, cultivated fields and sprawling vineyards. The perimeter of the base of its trunk measures 5.25 metres and its three huge branches start at a height of 1.8 metres from the floor. The dome-shaped form of the tree is almost perfect and standing under the huge braches is both impressive and welcoming. The tree is in excellent condition.

Location: 2km from Adahuesca on the A-1229 road towards Huesca, take a path to the left, which is just a few metres beyond a curve in the road. Keep following signs for “Leyendas al Paso” and approximately 2.7km after leaving the main road, you will find the tree, just after passing in front of livestock corral. It is also possible to reach the tree from Adahuesca via the Romanesque chapel of Trevino.

Tejo, tacho (Taxus baccata).

Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Balced canyon and the peaks of Guara mountains, stands a striking yet relatively unknown tree. The base of the trunk measures 3.5 metres in circumference and the first of its 5 main branches starts at a height of 1.25 metres from the ground. Its stocky aspect is the tree’s way of avoiding direct sunlight. The conifer is in good condition although some branches have been removed and there is an old axe mark on its trunk. There once stood another conifer nearby, which was felled halfway through the 20th century. Its wood was used in a butcher’s shop in a local village.

Location: From Alquézar take the path towards the village of San Pelegrin and continue along the footpath to the Mesón of Sevil. Follow the track in a northerly direction for approximately 1,000 metres before taking a path to the left towards the Tozal d’Acreu. Once there, go down the slope until reaching the north-facing side of a large limestone rock, which shelters and provides shade to this solitary tree.

Location: The trees can be reached on the A-1226 road between Barbastro and Berbegal. It is located 600 metres from the rubbish dump on the left hand side of the road, in an area known as Los Algarrofales. 

Juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus).

This tree reaches 10.4 metros with a circumference of 3 metres at the base of its trunk. At a height of 2.6 metres from the floor, it divides into various branches. Surprisingly, there is a nettle tree growing within the trunk (Celtis australis) which splits the juniper in two without causing damage. The two trees are in excellent condition and grow on private land.

Juniper, Juniperus oxycedrus J., chinebro

This species is only found in the Northern hemisphere. It is a shrub which in optimal growing conditions can transform in a tree 10 metres high.

Its sharp leaves go together in groups of three and show two white strips in their outer face. The flowers grow in autumn, but when they are 18 months old it is when they become mature. When birds eat them they contribute to seeds dissemination. Its wood is highly appreciated in places like the Scandinavian Peninsula, where it is prepared to make boxes for cheese and butter.

Curious remedies

Ancient people burnt the juniper’s berries because of their antiseptic power. It was thought that the fumes which it detaches purified the environment. Its fruits have been used for alleviate gout, rheumatism. They are diuretic and whet appetite.

Did you know?

Guinevere comes from French language genévrier (juniper). It is like this because its berries are used to scent this alcoholic drink since it appeared in the XVI century.