What we do - Fondazione Sylva

WHAT WE DO

"There is someone sitting in the shade today because someone else planted a tree a long time ago".

Warren Buffett

We transform abandoned land into healthy forest by planting regenerative native species.

We identify marginal crops or those affected by phytopathologies, study their characteristics, and develop forestry projects. As a result, we devise the maintenance plan.

We Restore Biodiversity

By planting a wide selection of native trees and shrubs, we promote and protect the extraordinary variety of animal and plant species on our planet. In this way, we help protect nature from the risk of epidemics and ensure the proper functioning of ecosystems.

SELECTED SPECIES
FOR SALENTO

(80% trees and 20% shrubs)

Hackberry
The hackberry tree (scientific name: Celtis australis L.), also known as "spaccasassi," is a deciduous tree belonging to the Cannabaceae family, widespread in southern Europe and temperate regions of Asia. It can reach a height of 20-25 meters and has a broad, rounded canopy with oval, serrated leaves of dull green color, which turn yellow in the autumn before falling. The bark of the hackberry is smooth and grayish, and its wood is strong and flexible. It is known for its resistance and adaptability, even in rocky soils, which is why it is often used for soil stabilization and to beautify parks and avenues. Its small, round black fruits, called "bagole," are edible and highly valued by birds.
Hawthorn
The hawthorn (scientific name: Crataegus monogyna L.) is a shrub or small tree of the Rosaceae family, widespread in Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. In our environments, it rarely exceeds 3-4 meters in height, with a dense canopy and spiny branches. The leaves, diamond-shaped with a serrated tip, are green in summer and yellow-orange in autumn. The white flowers bloom in spring in corymbs. The red fruits, containing a single pit, are edible but sour. Known for its medicinal properties, it is used to treat heart disorders and anxiety, and is also used in hedges and for soil stabilization.
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.
Cypress
The cypress tree (scientific name: Cupressus sempervirens L.) is an evergreen tree belonging to the Cupressaceae family, typical of Mediterranean regions. It can reach a height of 20 meters, with a conical and slender canopy, often columnar. The small, scale-like leaves are a deep green color. The inconspicuous flowers appear in spring and give rise to woody cones. The cypress is resistant to dry climates and poor soils, and is valued both for its beauty and its durable, aromatic wood. It is used in gardens, parks, and for soil protection.
Rockrose
The rockrose (scientific name: Cistus creticus L.) is an evergreen shrub of the Cistaceae family, typical of Mediterranean regions. It reaches a height of 1-1.5 meters and has a compact growth habit. The leaves are lance-shaped, gray-green in color, and covered with a light fuzz. The flowers, large and showy, bloom in spring and summer with magenta pink petals and a characteristic papery texture. The rockrose is known for its drought resistance and its ability to adapt to poor, rocky soils. It is often used as an ornamental plant and for soil protection, thanks to its rapid growth and tolerance to hot climates. There are also two other species of rockrose: Cistus salviifolius L. (or female rockrose), with small, wrinkled leaves and white flowers, and Cistus monspeliensis L., with elongated, slightly sticky leaves, also with white flowers.
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.
Helichrysum
The helichrysum (scientific name: Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G.Don) is an evergreen shrub of the Asteraceae family, typical of Mediterranean regions. It reaches a height of 30-60 cm and has a compact, branching form. The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and gray in color, covered with a light fuzz. The flowers, golden yellow, bloom in summer and are grouped in small flower heads, characterized by a dry, resistant appearance. The helichrysum is known for its aromatic and medicinal properties and is used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory and healing qualities. Resistant to drought and poor soils, it is used as an ornamental plant and for soil protection.
White Mulberry
The white mulberry (scientific name: Morus alba L.) is a deciduous tree belonging to the Moraceae family, native to China. It can reach a height of 10-15 meters and has a broad, globular canopy. The leaves are broad, heart-shaped, and bright green in color, while the fruits, which ripen in summer, are small, white, and sweet, resembling mulberries. The white mulberry is known as the primary food source for silkworms and is cultivated for silk production and its wood. It is resistant to temperate climates and adapts to various soil types. It is also used in gardens and parks as an ornamental plant.
Philirea common
The philirea (scientific name: Phillyrea latifolia L.) is an evergreen shrub or small tree of the Oleaceae family, typical of Mediterranean regions. It reaches a height of 3-5 meters and has a dense, compact canopy. The leaves are lance-shaped, dark green and glossy, with a slight gray-silver tint on the underside. The small white flowers bloom in spring, followed by black or bluish drupes. The philirea is drought-resistant and adapts well to poor, rocky soils. It is used both as an ornamental plant in gardens and hedges, and for soil stabilization due to its robustness and adaptability.
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.
Myrtle
The myrtle (scientific name: Myrtus communis L.) is an evergreen shrub of the Myrtaceae family, typical of Mediterranean regions. It reaches a height of 2-3 meters and has a compact, branching canopy. The leaves are oval, glossy, bright green, and strongly aromatic, while the flowers, white and slightly fragrant, bloom in summer. The fruits are black-blue berries that ripen in autumn. Myrtle is known for its aromatic and medicinal properties, used in herbal medicine to treat respiratory and digestive disorders. Resistant to drought and poor soils, it is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and hedges, as well as in the preparation of liqueurs and essential oils.
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.
Stone pine
The stone pine (scientific name: Pinus pinea L.) is an evergreen tree of the Pinaceae family, typical of Mediterranean regions. It can reach a height of 20-30 meters and has a distinctive umbrella-shaped canopy, with branches extending horizontally. The needle-like leaves are long and bright green. The stone pine produces cones that mature in summer and contain edible seeds, known as pine nuts. Resistant to drought and poor soils, it thrives in hot climates. It is highly valued both for its ornamental form and its wood, which is used in construction and carpentry. Pine nuts are used in cooking, while the resin has traditional uses in industry.
Kermes oak
The kermes oak (scientific name: Quercus coccifera L.) is an evergreen shrub or small tree of the Fagaceae family, typical of Mediterranean regions. It can reach a height of 3-6 meters and has a compact, branching canopy. The leaves are leathery and glossy, dark green in color, with spiny edges. The plant produces acorns that ripen in autumn and are appreciated by wildlife. Resistant to drought and poor soils, it primarily grows in rocky and arid environments. The kermes oak is important for its association with the kermes scale, an insect historically used to produce the crimson dye (kermes). It is also used to create hedges and as an ornamental plant.
Vallonea oak
The Vallonea oak (scientific name: Quercus ithaburensis Decne. subsp. macrolepis (Kotschy) Hedge & Yalt.) is a deciduous tree of the Fagaceae family, found not only in the Tricase area (Lecce) but also in the Balkan regions and parts of the Middle East. It can reach a height of 10-15 meters and has an expansive canopy with lobed and serrated dark green leaves. The flowers, which bloom in spring, are followed by large acorns, protected by a thick cupule. The Vallonea oak is resistant to calcareous and poor soils, but is not tolerant of cold temperatures. In the past, its acorns were used to extract tannin. It is also valued for its ornamental qualities and the durability of its wood.
Virgilian oak
The Virgilian oak (Quercus virgiliana (Ten.) Ten.) 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 leaves, oblong and lobed, are dark green and turn yellow in autumn. The flowers, which bloom in spring, are small and inconspicuous, followed by acorns that ripen in autumn. The bark is gray and smooth in young specimens, becoming more rugged with age. The Virgilian oak is resistant to drought and adapts to various types of soil, making it ideal for soil stabilization and as an ornamental plant. It is valued for its wood, used in carpentry, and for tannin production. In Italy, it is mainly found in the southern regions, such as Calabria, Sicily, and Puglia.
Jerusalem sage
The Jerusalem sage (scientific name: Phlomis fruticosa L.) is an evergreen perennial shrub of the Lamiaceae family, native to the Mediterranean. It reaches a height of 1-1.5 meters and has a dense, bushy form. The leaves are oval, gray-green, covered with a light fuzz, and have a strong aroma. The golden-yellow flowers, arranged in whorls, bloom in summer and are highly valued by bees. Drought-resistant, it thrives in well-drained, sunny soils and is often cultivated as an ornamental plant.
Spiny broom
The spiny broom or invasive sparzio (scientific name: Cytisus infestus (C.Presl) Guss.) is an evergreen shrub of the Fabaceae family, typical of Mediterranean regions. It can reach a height of 2-3 meters and has a bushy growth habit with branches covered in thorns. The leaves are reduced to small scales, while the yellow, butterfly-shaped flowers bloom in spring and are highly fragrant. The plant is drought-resistant and adapts well to poor, rocky soils. The spiny broom is often used for creating protective hedges and for soil stabilization. It is also known for its use in folk medicine, thanks to its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties.
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.

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HOW WE OPERATE

1 IDENTIFICATION OF THE LAND 2 COLLABORATION AGREEMENT WITH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ENTITIES 3 FOREST STUDY AND FIELD SURVEY OF THE TERRITORY and species selection 4 PREPARATION OF THE LAND TO BE RE-NATURALIZED 5 PLANTING OF THE PLANTS 6 PLANT MAINTENANCE (IRRIGATION AND CULTURAL CARE) FOR 5 YEARS 7 RAISING AWARENESS IN REFORESTED AREAS

1

IDENTIFICATION OF THE LAND

2

COLLABORATION AGREEMENT WITH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ENTITIES

3

FOREST STUDY AND FIELD SURVEY OF THE TERRITORY and species selection

4

PREPARATION OF THE LAND TO BE RE-NATURALIZED

5

PLANTING OF THE PLANTS

6

PLANT MAINTENANCE (IRRIGATION AND CULTURAL CARE) FOR 5 YEARS

7

RAISING AWARENESS IN REFORESTED AREAS

REFORESTATION

LEARN MORE

RAISING AWARENESS

LEARN MORE

SAVE
Degraded lands by planting as many trees as possible. Regenerate the Earth and create a brighter future for future generations.
SENSITIZE
Raising public awareness and educating younger generations on the necessity of reforesting and taking care of natural heritage through cultural, social and educational projects.
SUPPORT
Supporting agroforestry projects that are compatible with soil regeneration and connected with the local productive fabric.
STIMULATE
Developing social, economic, and professional regeneration models as foundational elements of thriving communities.
SELECT
Choosing plant species best suited to the specific characteristics of the territories to restore biodiversity and ensure the proper functioning of ecosystems.

WE ARE IN FULL SYNERGY
WITH THE 2030 AGENDA GOALS
FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

PLANT WITH US

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