Common Trees of Andalucia: A Guide to Native Species and Their Uses
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Native trees of Andalucia
A brief guide to some of the common trees found in Andalucia, including their potential heights and uses in natural medicine.
Alder / Aliso (Alnus glutinosa)
- Height: Up to 25 meters (82 feet)
- Characteristics: Deciduous trees found along river valleys. They prefer moist environments and are often seen near water bodies.
- Natural Medicine Uses: Traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. Bark and leaves can be used to treat skin irritations and wounds.
Almond Tree (Prunus dulcis)
- Height: Up to 10 meters (33 feet)
- Characteristics: An important crop-producing tree in Andalucia. Their fresh pink and white blossoms color the countryside in Spring, with the harvest ready mid-autumn.
- Natural Medicine Uses: Almond oil is widely used in cosmetics for skin and hair care. It is also used to soothe dry skin and as a mild laxative.
Ash Tree / Fresno (Fraxinus)
- Height: Up to 25 meters (82 feet)
- Characteristics: Generally found near small brooks, springs, and larger river valleys. They thrive in moist, well-drained soils.
- Natural Medicine Uses: Leaves are used as a diuretic and to treat rheumatic pain.
Chestnut Tree / Castaño (Castanea sativa)
- Height: Up to 35 meters (115 feet)
- Characteristics: Likes moist areas, silica soil, and altitudes between 400 and 1000 meters. Produces edible chestnuts.
- Natural Medicine Uses: Leaves and bark are used for their anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, helpful in treating respiratory conditions and diarrhea.
Avocado Tree / Aguacate (Persea americana)
- Height: Up to 20 meters (66 feet)
- Characteristics: Native to Mexico, Central America, and Guam. An important crop producer in Andalucia, especially in Almuñecar on Granada’s Costa Tropical.
- Natural Medicine Uses: Avocado oil is used for its skin moisturizing and healing properties. The fruit is rich in healthy fats beneficial for heart health.
Carob Tree / Algarrobo (Ceratonia siliqua)
- Height: Up to 10 meters (33 feet)
- Characteristics: Grows spontaneously in remote areas, mixed with pines. Can withstand high temperatures and is found between 600 and 1000 meters.
- Natural Medicine Uses: Carob is used as a natural remedy for digestive issues, particularly diarrhea. It is also used as a cocoa substitute in dietary foods.
Cork Oak / Alcornoque (Quercus suber)
- Height: Up to 20 meters (66 feet)
- Characteristics: Found mainly to the west in Cadiz Province around Mount Alcornoque. Produces cork, and its acorns are the staple diet of the black pigs whose cured ham - pata negra - is a local delicacy.
- Natural Medicine Uses:Bark extracts have been used for their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Elm / Olmo (Ulmus)
- Height: Up to 35 meters (115 feet)
- Characteristics: Deciduous trees found along river valleys. They have a broad, spreading canopy.
- Natural Medicine Uses: The inner bark has been used in traditional medicine to treat wounds, burns, and inflammation.
Juniper / Enebro (Juniperus communis)
- Height: Up to 10 meters (33 feet)
- Characteristics: Commonly found in Andalucia. Known for its aromatic berries.
- Natural Medicine Uses: Juniper berries are used as a diuretic, for digestive issues, and as an anti-inflammatory.
Evergreen Oak / Encina (Quercus ilex)
- Height: Up to 20 meters (66 feet)
- Characteristics: The common Quercus found all over the Mediterranean. It is evergreen and provides excellent shade.
- Natural Medicine Uses: Acorns have been used traditionally for their nutritional value and as an astringent.
Fig Tree (Ficus carica)
- Height: Up to 10 meters (33 feet)
- Characteristics: Common in Andalucia, considered indigenous to the area. Produces edible figs and thrives in Mediterranean climates.
- Natural Medicine Uses: Figs are used as a natural laxative and for their digestive benefits. Leaves are used for their antidiabetic properties.
Gall Oak / Quejigo (Quercus faginea)
- Height: Up to 20 meters (66 feet)
- Characteristics: Another common Quercus found in the Mediterranean region. Semi-deciduous and provides habitat for various wildlife.
- Natural Medicine Uses: Acorns and bark are used for their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia)
- Height: Up to 15 meters (49 feet)
- Characteristics: The purple-flowered Jacaranda is common in Andalucia, especially in urban landscapes.
- Natural Medicine Uses: Traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, although it is less common in modern natural medicine.
Lemon / Limón (Citrus limon)
- Height: Up to 6 meters (20 feet)
- Characteristics: Found throughout Andalucia and is an important crop-producing tree. Recognized by its bright yellow fruits and fragrant blossoms.
- Natural Medicine Uses: Lemon juice is used for its high vitamin C content, as an immune booster, and for its digestive benefits. Lemon oil is used in aromatherapy.
Maple / Arce
- Height: Up to 20 meters (66 feet)
- Characteristics: Deciduous trees found along river valleys. Known for their beautiful autumn foliage.
- Natural Medicine Uses: Maple sap is traditionally used for its nutritional benefits and as a natural sweetener.
Orange / Naranjo (Citrus sinensis)
- Height: Up to 10 meters (33 feet)
- Characteristics: Celebrated for its aromatic blossoms and is a major crop producer. Often used in landscaping cities and towns across the region.
- Natural Medicine Uses: Orange peel is used for its digestive benefits and in aromatherapy for its uplifting scent. Orange juice is rich in vitamin C.
Poplar / Álamo
- Height: Up to 30 meters (98 feet)
- Characteristics: Deciduous trees found along river valleys. They grow rapidly and have a slender form.
- Natural Medicine Uses: Poplar buds are used for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, often in balms and ointments.
Pinsapo Spanish Fir / Pinsapo (Abies pinsapo)
- Height: Up to 30 meters (98 feet)
- Characteristics: Famous pine tree found in Andalucia. Highly resistant to cold and found at altitudes up to 1700 meters. Known as the Spanish fir.
- Natural Medicine Uses: Not commonly used in natural medicine.
Stone Pine / Pino Piñonero (Pinus pinea)
- Height: Up to 25 meters (82 feet)
- Characteristics: Known for its umbrella-shaped canopy and edible pine nuts. Common in reforested areas.
- Natural Medicine Uses: Pine nuts are rich in healthy fats and used in diets to support cardiovascular health.
Wild Olive / Acebuche (Olea europea)
- Height: Up to 15 meters (49 feet)
- Characteristics: One of the species best adapted to the Mediterranean climate. Hardy and drought-tolerant.
- Natural Medicine Uses: Olive oil from wild olives is used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Olive leaves are used for their blood pressure-lowering effects.
Willow / Sauce
- Height: Up to 25 meters (82 feet)
- Characteristics: Deciduous trees found along river valleys. They prefer wet soils and are often seen near water bodies.
- Natural Medicine Uses: Willow bark is known for its salicylic acid content, which is used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation.
This guide provides a snapshot of the diverse and rich tree species that inhabit Andalucia, reflecting the region's varied climates and landscapes. Many of these trees also contribute to traditional natural medicine, showcasing their importance not only ecologically but also culturally and medicinally.
