Tree Story
This particular tree struck me, as it had grown almost completely horizontally, or perhaps it had been bent and destorted by the strong local winds as a youngster, but managed to survive. I also love how, in the bark impression, you can also identify scar-like features, suggesting a life lived.
This tree forms part La Dehesa de Las Yeguas - a forest of ancient stone pines in the natural park of the Bay of Cádiz. The forest is full of impressive specimens, some with extraordinary exposed roots.
The umbrella pine or stone pine is a tree native to the mediterranean basin and plays a crucial role in combating erosion in coastal areas. It also has a rich and ancient history, featuring in myth, legend, art, and classical literature since antiquity. Revered by the ancient Greeks and Romans, it has inspired artists and poets throughout the centuries.
(and it’s my favourite!)
