Torre Guaceto Project - Fondazione Sylva

TORRE GUACETO

Hectares reforested

Trees planted

1000

liters of oxygen generated per day
(estimated in 10 years)

150000

kg of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere
(estimated in 10 years)

20000

LAND OPERATOR

Azienda Agricola Guaceto

PLANTING SITE

Torre Guaceto (Brindisi)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Creation of a forest in an area adjacent to the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve, located in the province of Brindisi, covering about 1800 hectares, one of the largest protected natural areas in Puglia. The land, previously agricultural, will become a natural oasis accessible to the community.

TYPE OF INTERVENTION

Afforestation project on arable land in a high landscape value area (part of which falls within the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve).

PLANTING DATE

26/01/2024

STATUS OF THE WORK

1st year: care and maintenance

DRAG

SELECTED SPECIES

Carob

The carob tree (scientific name: Ceratonia siliqua L.) is an evergreen tree belonging to the Fabaceae family, native to the warm regions of the Mediterranean. It can reach a height of 6-7 meters and has a wide, dense canopy. The compound leaves are shiny and dark green, while the small, red-purple flowers bloom in summer. The fruits, known as carobs, are legumes prized for their sweet taste and nutritional properties. The wood of the carob tree is hard and durable, and the plant is highly resistant to drought and suited for poor soils. It is used as an ornamental plant and in agriculture for the production of flours.

Arbutus

The arbutus tree (scientific name: Arbutus unedo L.) is an evergreen shrub or small tree of the Ericaceae family, native to Mediterranean regions. It reaches a height of 5-8 meters and has a dense canopy, with oval, glossy leaves of dark green color. The small bell-shaped flowers, white or pink, bloom in autumn, forming pendulous clusters, followed by the fruits, called "corbezzoli," which ripen in winter. These fruits are red, fleshy, and sweet-tasting. The arbutus tree is drought-resistant and adapts well to poor, rocky soils. It is appreciated both for its ornamental appearance and for the production of honey and liqueurs, in addition to being used for soil stabilization.

Holm oak

The holm oak (scientific name: Quercus ilex L.) is an evergreen tree of the Fagaceae family, typical of Mediterranean regions. It can reach a height of 15-20 meters and has a dense, rounded canopy. The leaves are dark green, leathery, oblong, and with smooth edges. The holm oak produces small acorns that ripen in autumn and are highly valued by wildlife. Resistant to drought and poor soils, the holm oak is particularly suited to warm, slightly cool climates. It is used for the production of high-quality timber, charcoal, and as an ornamental plant in gardens and green areas. Its bark also has traditional medicinal uses.

Mastic tree

The mastic tree (scientific name: Pistacia lentiscus L.) is an evergreen shrub of the Anacardiaceae family, typical of hot Mediterranean regions. It can reach a height of 3-4 meters and has a globular, rounded canopy. The leaves are bright green, leathery, compound, and pinnate, with a strong aromatic scent due to the presence of essential oils. The fruits are small, spherical, and red, ripening in summer. The bark, when incised, produces a resin, well known as mastic from Chios, a secretion that coagulates into round or tear-shaped, transparent, yellow beads with a balsamic scent and a sour, bitter taste. The resin gets its name from the region where it is primarily cultivated, the island of Chios in Greece. Mastic has medicinal properties. Resistant to drought and poor soils, the mastic tree is particularly suited to hot, arid climates.

English elm

The English elm (scientific name: Ulmus minor Mill.) is a deciduous tree of the Ulmaceae family, widespread in temperate regions of Europe and Asia. It can reach a height of 15-20 meters and has a broad, rounded canopy. The leaves, light green and serrated, are elliptical in shape and turn yellow in autumn. The small, inconspicuous flowers bloom in spring, followed by samaras (winged fruits). The English elm is resistant to various types of soil and adapts well to challenging climatic conditions. It is often used as an ornamental plant in parks and green areas, as well as for soil protection. Its robust and durable wood is used in carpentry.

Wild pear

The wild pear (scientific name: Pyrus spinosa Forssk.) is a deciduous shrub or small tree of the Rosaceae family, widespread in Europe and Western Asia. It can reach a height of 5-8 meters and has a broad, rounded canopy. The leaves are ovate and serrated, dark green in color, and turn yellow-orange in autumn. The white flowers, which bloom in spring, are followed by small, hard pears with a tart flavor. The wild pear grows best in dry, well-drained soils and is resistant to cold. It is often used in gardening as an ornamental plant, as well as for soil stabilization and the production of grafts for other pear varieties. Its durable wood is used for handcrafted work.

Aleppo pine

The Aleppo pine (scientific name: Pinus halepensis Mill.) is an evergreen tree belonging to the Pinaceae family, typical of Mediterranean regions. It can reach a height of 15-25 meters and has a globular and somewhat irregular canopy. The needle-like leaves are long, thin, and light green in color. The Aleppo pine produces cones containing seeds, which are used by various animals. Resistant to drought and poor soils, this species is particularly well-suited to hot, arid climates. It is used for reforestation of lands and as an ornamental plant in parks. Its aromatic and durable wood is used in carpentry and for resin production.

Cork oak

The cork oak (scientific name: Quercus suber L.) is a deciduous tree of the Fagaceae family, typical of Mediterranean regions. It can reach a height of 15-20 meters and has a broad, rounded canopy. The lanceolate leaves are dark green and persistent. The cork oak is famous for its thick, leathery bark, which is periodically harvested for cork production, a material widely used in industry. Its wood is durable and is used for making furniture and barrels. Resistant to drought and poor soils, the cork oak is also used for soil stabilization and as an ornamental plant in parks and gardens.

Previous slide

Next slide