Monumental Trees Research Articles

Species Identity of Large Trees Affects the Composition and the Spatial Structure of Adjacent Trees

Large trees are keystone structures for the functioning and maintenance of the biological diversity of wooded landscapes. Thus, we need a better understanding of large-tree–other-tree interactions and their effects on the diversity and spatial structure of the surrounding trees. We studied these interactions in the core of the Białowieża Primeval Forest—Europe’s best-preserved temperate forest ecosystem, characterized by high abundance of ancient trees. We measured diameter and bark thickness of the monumental trees of Acer platanoides L., Carpinus betulus L., Picea abies L. H. Karst, Quercus robur L., and Tilia cordata Mill., as well as the diameter and distance to the monumental tree of five nearest neighbor trees. The effects of the monumental tree on arrangements of the surrounding trees were studied with the help of linear models. We revealed that the species identity of a large tree had, in the case of C. betulus and T. cordata, a significant impact on the diversity of adjacent tree groupings, their distance to the central tree, and frequency of the neighboring trees. The distance between the neighbor and the large trees increased with the increasing diameter of the central tree. Our findings reinforce the call for the protection of large old trees, regardless of their species and where they grow from the geographical or ecosystem point of view.

Analysis of the Static Behavior of a Single Tree on a Finite Element Model.

This work deals with the innovated complex process of tree risk assessment, from precise geometrical tree shape acquisition to building and analyzing a finite element model under specified load. The acquisition of the 3D geometry of the tree was performed by means of terrestrial laser scanning. Obtained point cloud was optimized and additionally converted to a 3D CAD model, representing the bearing skeleton compound of trunk and main branches. For structural analysis purposes, a finite element model (FEM) was built in the form of beam structure fixed to the ground. Particular beams were defined by geometry, material properties of wood, and cross sections. An acoustic tomography was applied for determination of the precise cross section on investigated locations of an analysis model. Finite element analysis performed on the computational model shows the bearing capacity and deformations of the whole tree structure caused by combinations of load cases like self-weight and static equivalent of wind load. The results of the structural analysis called attention to potentially dangerous places within the tree structure with extreme node displacements or tensile stresses on beams. Thus, we observed a maximal horizontal displacement of 280.4 mm in node N34 and dangerous tensile stress in node N26, where it reaches +23.6 MPa. After filtering some beams with an abnormal cross section geometry, the finite element analysis of the whole tree structure showed the highest tensile stress of +8.8 MPa and highest compressive stress of −8.9 MPa. The suggested method can be applied generally for the prediction of potentially risky tree suspected of breakage and especially for monumental trees, where the presented method can be mostly applicable.

The Monumental Olive Trees as Biocultural Heritage of Mediterranean Landscapes: The Case Study of Sicily

Monumental olive trees, with their longevity and their remarkable size, represent an important information source for the comprehension of the territory where they grow and the human societies that have kept them through time. Across the centuries, olive trees are the only cultivated plants that tell the story of Mediterranean landscapes. The same as stone monuments, these green monuments represent a real Mediterranean natural and cultural heritage. The aim of this paper is to discuss the value of monumental trees as “biocultural heritage” elements and the role they play in the interpretation of the historical stratification of the landscape. We present the results of a survey of the most significant olive trees growing in Sicily. The selection was based on the “monumentality” aspects of trees, taking into account dendrometric parameters and environmental contexts. The collected dataset constitutes a heterogeneous sample of 367 specimens of considerable size that, in some cases, reach a circumference of about 19 m. Starting from the data presented here, the whole Sicilian territory shows a historical relationship between human and olive. The presence of these plant monuments is, therefore, evidence of long-term, often centennial, landscapes as a result of sustainable use of the territory.

The age of monumental trees. A case study of Juniperus thurifera L. in Spain

Aim of the study: To provide tree-age estimation of monumental Juniperus thurifera trees based on dendrochronological methods.Area of study: “Sabinar de Calatañazor” Nature Reserve (Calatañazor, Soria, Spain), a monumental forest of Juniperus thurifera traditionally used for grazing.Material and methods: Tree-ring width analysis of increment cores and four different methods for estimating the age of each of the trees analysed.Main results: Our estimates suggest that most of the trees in this Nature Reserve with a radius greater than 30 cm are over 300 years old. Moreover, the discussion on the constraints and accuracy of each of the four tree-age estimation methods employed can be helpful in future studies of age in many monumental trees. A well-replicated local chronology, ranging from 1738 to 2012 (275 years), was also established for its use in reconstruction studies related to management, past events and climate change.Research highlights: This study involved analyzing many trees with high percentages of rings that had disappeared as a result of rot. In this case, the age estimation models based on the classical hypotheses of constant growth in radius or basal area, as well as a new estimation method based upon biological behavior and considering two growth stages (juvenile and mature), are the ones that provided the most reliable estimates. On the contrary, regression models are less recommendable, due to being less accurate.Keywords: Dendrochronology; tree-age estimate; rot, growth stages; management and conservation measures.

Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold subsp. calabrica (Poir.) of the Fallistro Biogenetic Natural Reserve: state of “Giant pines” stand after 40 years of observations

Aim of study: (1) to assess structural parameters of Giant pines; (2) to compare three several inventories and relative parameters; (3) to assess mechanical stability of Giant pines.Area of study: Sila National Park, Calabria, Italy.Material and methods: Mechanical stability assessment and full dendrometric analysis were used.Main results: 40 years after the first measurements on the Giant pines, the most emblematic trees of the population confirmed the peculiar ecological characteristics of Calabrian pines: their posture, rapidity of growth, productivity and longevity. The pine forest containing 46 healthy monumental trees. The Ht/DBH ratio slightly decreased from first to last inventory. The decrease of the Ht/DBH ratio correspond to the increase of mechanical stability of trees.Research highlights: the importance of preserving the Fallistro Biogenetic Natural Reserve as a source of biodiversity and to maintain the high ecological stability that characterize this important Italian forest area.Keywords: Old-growth forest; Biodiversity conservation; Sustainable forestry; Calabrian pine; Forest ecology; deadwood.

Approach to Urban Environmental Justice Using Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis. The Case of Valencia’s Monumental Trees

Environmental justice has been a relevant object of analysis in recent decades. The generation of patterns in the spatial distribution of urban trees has been a widely addressed issue in the literature. However, the spatial distribution of monumental trees still constitutes an unknown object of study. The aim of this paper was to analyse the spatial distribution of the monumental-tree heritage in the city of Valencia, using Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis (ESDA) methods, in relation to different population groups and to discuss some implications in terms of environmental justice, from the public-policy perspective. The results show that monumental trees are spatially concentrated in high-income neighbourhoods, and this fact represents an indicator of environmental inequality. This diagnosis can provide support for decision-making on this matter.

Evaluación de la monumentalidad de árboles urbanos en México

La evaluación de los árboles monumentales es una actividad importante para promover su preservación. Según la revisión bibliográfica realizada, se encontró que, actualmente, no existe una legislación clara y suficiente en México para brindar protección a este tipo de individuos arbóreos. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la monumentalidad de árboles urbanos en México, con la participación de 15 expertos en el tema. Los ejemplares evaluados fueron: "El Tule"; "El Sabino"; "El Ahuehuete"; "La Higuera"; "El Baobab"; "El Ginkgo" y "El Árbol de los Acuerdos"; todos ellos ubicados en diferentes estados del territorio mexicano. Se definieron cinco criterios para la evaluación: tamaño del árbol, estado de conservación, importancia cultural, importancia del paisaje y rareza. El establecimiento de los criterios se basó en metodologías conocidas y utilizadas en la valoración de los árboles. El método PROMETHEE II se utilizó para determinar la monumentalidad. Los resultados del estudio indicaron que el "El Tule" y el "Árbol de los Acuerdos", localizados en el estado de Oaxaca y el Estado de México, respectivamente son los árboles que tienen características particulares que los hacen destacar sobre el resto de los individuos considerados en el estudio. El valor de monumentalidad más destacado fue para "El Tule", debido a que las evaluaciones de los expertos mostraron las preferencias más altas a favor del conjunto de atributos que lo caracterizan.

Health Assessment and Genetic Structure of Monumental Norway Spruce Trees during A Bark Beetle (Ips typographus L.) Outbreak in the Białowieża Forest District, Poland

A current ongoing unprecedented outbreak of Ips typographus (L.) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae) in the Białowieża Primeval Forest (BPF) has nearly eliminated Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst) as a major forest tree species there, since over 1 million trees have died. In this part of Europe, Norway spruce has grown for hundreds of years, previously accounting for 30% of forest species composition. The aim of this study was to evaluate 47 “Monuments of Nature” of Norway spruce as follows: (i) their current health status in the managed forests of Białowieża Forest District; (ii) possible causes and changes in their health during the last bark beetle outbreak; and (iii) potential losses from the gene pool. Our findings from ground and remote sensing inventories showed that only 12 out of 47 (25%) monumental trees protected by law survived until 2017 in the study area. The rest (75%) of the investigated trees had died. An analysis of meteorological data from Białowieża suggested that the beginning of the I. typographus outbreak in 2012 was associated with diminishing precipitation during growing seasons prior to this time and subsequent increases in annual temperature, coupled with heavy storms in 2017 toppling weakened trees. A comparison of old-growth “Monuments of Nature” spruce in the region (n = 47, average age 225 years) to seven reference spruce stands (n = 281, average age 132 years) revealed a loss of unique genetic features based on frequencies of eleven nuclear microsatellite loci. Although all studied populations had similar genetic background (FST(without NA) = 0.003 and no STRUCTURE clustering), all monumental spruce trees shared the highest parameters such as the mean observed and expected number of alleles per locus (Na = 15.909 and Ne = 7.656, respectively), mean allelic richness (AR(11) = 8.895), mean private alleles (Apriv = 0.909), and mean Shannon diversity index (I = 1.979) in comparison to the younger stands. Our results demonstrate that the loss of the old spruce trees will entail the loss of genetic variability of the Norway spruce population within the exceptionally valuable Białowieża Primeval Forest.

Registration and promotion of monumental olive trees in Greece.

The history of the olive tree, its cultivation and its products is known for centuries. Some olive tree have survived over millennia and their history dates back to antiquity. In many cases, it is related to mythology and religion. The olive tree is associated with folk tradition, people's everyday life, and customs. In Greece, monumental olive trees are found in the Peloponnese, Crete, Euboea, Chios, Pelion and Attica. This paper explores and describes the particular morphological features such as shape, size, wood, cavities and age, as well as the cultural characteristics such as historical or religious events, myths and traditions that define an olive tree and characterize it as monumental. The main aim of our research is to examine the key position that monumental olive trees and their materialistic and symbolic manifestations consist a natural and cultural heritage as well. In this framework the study focuses on various key issues related to monumental olives trees and their natural, historical, social and cultural value.

Record of Myxomycetes on Monumental Trees in Bursa City Center – Turkey

Objective: Urbanization has been reported to affect the biodiversity of myxomycetes. There is no data in the Bursa city on the diversity of myxomycete in the urban area. Therefore, we aim to determine the presence of corticolous myxomycetes on monumental trees that are located in the most populated province of Bursa city (Osmangazi and Yildirim). Materials and Methods: In August and October 2018, 100 barks of monumental trees located in the Osmangazi and Yildirim) county of Bursa was collected. Moist chamber culture technique was used for the isolation and identification of the species. Results: 16 species within 9 genera were identified. The species identified are listed, and six new species Didymium bahiense (Gottsberger), Didymium difforme (Pers.) S. F. Gray), Macbrideola martinii (Alexop. & Beneke), Macbrideola oblonga (Pando, Lado), Physarum gyrosum (Rost.), Physarum notabile (Macbr.) were recorded for Bursa city. Conclusion: This is the first report of corticolous myxomycetes on monumental trees in Bursa city center. It also added data and 6 new records of myxomycetes on the myxomycete biodiversity of Bursa.

Oriental Planes Platanus orientalis L. and Other Monumental Trees in Central Squares and Churchyards in NW Greece: Sacred, Emblematic and Threatened

Abstract Trees often offer meaningful metaphors of and for society, connecting symbolically social and cultural life and creating specific bonds between nature and culture. We studied central squares and churchyard trees in the mountainous villages of Epirus, NW Greece, recording tree species and measuring their characteristics in the field, using also ethno-ecological tools for valuing their importance in the local community. The most common trees are monumental oriental plane trees (Platanus orientalis L.) which provide a focal point for community life and serve locally as symbols of community origin, reunion and inter-generational continuity. Such plane trees are also highly appreciated nationally for their aesthetic qualities and historical value. Recognition of the conservation importance of monumental trees should be a high priority, so as to secure the future of emblematic trees and the cultural landscapes they create, especially as invasive pathogens are spreading worldwide threatening their existence.

The last giant Araucaria trees in southern Brazil

ABSTRACT: Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze is a native tree species of major importance in southern Brazil. It is a regional symbol due to its iconic shape and stature in the landscape; its wood was once economically important and its seeds are an important source of food for the fauna and are presently used in regional cuisine. Despite its importance and apparent abundance, the species is facing extinction mainly as a result of unregulated exploitation and deforestation. This study catalogued the remaining individuals in order to add to the body of knowledge available on A. angustifolia, a species that has become rare across its historic range. The circumference at breast height (1.30 m), the total height, and the tree volume were measured (3,529 araucarias). We catalogued trees with a large diameter measuring them in loco over three years involving a journey of more than 6,800 km. The volumes of these old trees are very large, ranging from 38.2 m3 to 106.6 m3. The largest A. angustifolia individual is located in the state of Santa Catarina and measures 3.25 m in diameter. The giant araucarias with > 2.00 m in diameter are rare and only 13 individuals could be found in southern Brazil; a priority action at the governmental level is to recognize and preserve these monumental trees and together with a need for a public policy of drawing up specific inventories of large trees.

Naturalistic hotspots along the Itinerarium Rosaliae (CW Sicily, Italy)

ABSTRACTThe conservation, fruition and management of landscape and natural resources is one of the most important topic of the moment. Here we presented a study on naturalistic hotspots that can be found along the Itinerarium Rosaliae, a naturalistic and religious route in Sicily that crosses three natural reserves and one natural regional park connecting Mount Pellegrino with the Hermitage of Santo Stefano di Quisquina. On the whole 7 semi-natural woods, 13 monumental trees, 8 geosites, and 4 areas of high naturalistic interest were identified. This initiative can be of example for other territories where human and natural heritage can be connected for an organic network of fruition.

In-situ preliminary assessment of centennial olive trees in Lebanon indicates a high potential for selection

Olive has a long and majestic history in Lebanon, and centennial trees are still growing in the country as an integral part of the agricultural system. No information is yet available on the fruit and oil traits of these trees. In this study, we characterized a set of 28 olive centennials growing in five locations in the south (Hasbaya, Quawqaba, Deir Mimas), the north (Bcheale) and Mount Lebanon (Kfar Matta) between 300 and 1200 m a.s.l. Thirty-one traits related to foot and trunk dimensions, fruit and endocarp descriptors, oil content by Abencor system and fatty acids of the extracted oil by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) were assessed. We noted a large variability among the centennials for most of the traits studied. The largest trees in terms of foot, trunk and cavity dimensions were those from Bcheale, followed by those from Hasbaya and Kawkaba. Small to medium-sized fruits were found in most of the centennials studied, varying between 1.11 and 3.38 g fruit-1. Endocarp morphological traits varied slightly among the centennial trees, while oil traits presented significant variability. Oil content was the highest in Kawkaba centennials, with values up to 25-28%. As to the fatty acid composition, Bcheale centennials were distinguished by their highest content of oleic acid (C18:1 up to 77.64%) and Hasbaya centennials by their highest content of both linoleic (C18:2 up to 15.2%) and palmitic (C16:0 up to 17.33%) acids. Our results indicate the technological potential of the monumental olive trees of Lebanon that should be further investigated in order to understand their performance and to evaluate them in selection programs.

Radiocarbon Dating of an Olive Tree Cross-Section: New Insights on Growth Patterns and Implications for Age Estimation of Olive Trees.

The age of living massive olive trees is often assumed to be between hundreds and even thousands of years. These estimations are usually based on the girth of the trunk and an extrapolation based on a theoretical annual growth rate. It is difficult to objectively verify these claims, as a monumental tree may not be cut down for analysis of its cross-section. In addition, the inner and oldest part of the trunk in olive trees usually rots, precluding the possibility of carting out radiocarbon analysis of material from the first years of life of the tree. In this work we present a cross-section of an olive tree, previously estimated to be hundreds of years old, which was cut down post-mortem in 2013. The cross-section was radiocarbon dated at numerous points following the natural growth pattern, which was made possible to observe by viewing the entire cross-section. Annual growth rate values were calculated and compared between different radii. The cross-section also revealed a nearly independent segment of growth, which would clearly offset any estimations based solely on girth calculations. Multiple piths were identified, indicating the beginning of branching within the trunk. Different radii were found to have comparable growth rates, resulting in similar estimates dating the piths to the 19th century. The estimated age of the piths represent a terminus ante quem for the age of the tree, as these are piths of separate branches. However, the tree is likely not many years older than the dated piths, and certainly not centuries older. The oldest radiocarbon-datable material in this cross-section was less than 200 years old, which is in agreement with most other radiocarbon dates of internal wood from living olive trees, rarely older than 300 years.

Checklist of Champion Trees in The Czech Republic

Abstract An increasing number of people all around the world have become interested in remarkable and magnificent trees in recent years. Accessible databases of champion trees are available. Unfortunately, the Czech Republic does not have a single database of remarkable or champion trees. We have old tradition to find and describe an old and monumental trees in our country. In 1899 the first book was issued about it. Many of the biggest specimens are already registered in the Monumental Trees database, which is run by the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic, registered a total of 25,598 memorable trees in 2017. Not all remarkable or champion trees are designated as memorable. Due too we present the known data on champion trees in an independent checklist. There are shown 116 species of trees with their girth and other information as height, GPS coordinate etc. from various sources. This checklist is a basis for a future one national database. When comparing the champion trees of the Czech Republic with the databases of other European states, particularly that of Monumental Trees, it emerges that we are not far from coming first. The Czech champion tree, Vejda's Lime Tree in Pastviny (Tilia platyphyllos Scop.) measured 1,305 cm at girth in 2015. We would like to prepare one integrated Czech database of remarkable trees and champion trees by help of the Professor August Bayer Foundation as soon as possible.

Memorial Trees in The Czech Landscape

Abstract The aim of the article is to assess the extensive database of memorial trees operated by AOPK CR (Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic) and to determine the occurrence and abundance of the most monumental trees in chosen biogeographical units, (altitudinal vegetation zone, altitude, ecological series (Buček & Lacina, 2002), province, subprovince, bioregion (Culek et. al., 1996)) and the maximum size and age they can reach in these units. This assessment of monumental trees at a national level was made possible based on the provision of two extensive databases containing the information about the trees (AOPK CR Database of Memorial Trees) and about the biogeographical units of the Czech Republic (Biogeographical Registry of the Czech Republic). Basic unit of both databases is cadastral area and the fact allowed to link the data and to evaluate them. The occurrence rate of memorial trees and species in individual cadastral areas and in biogeographical regions is presented in the map outputs.

The role of monumental trees for the preservation of saproxylic biodiversity: re-thinking their management in cultural landscapes

Ancient trees present structural and functional characteristics fundamental for sustaining complex and unique assemblages of species. They are a resource globally threatened by both intensive land uses and lack of recruitment. Their disappearance would involve not only the loss of majestic organisms with high intrinsic value, but may also result in the disappearance of rare and endangered species. Italy is currently implementing a new list of noteworthy ancient trees (i.e. monumental trees) and the preliminary results of this new inventory have been analysed as a case study of a national initiative. The provisional list included 950 complete records, corresponding to 65 genera and 118 species. The most abundant species was Quercus pubescens Willd while the most common genera were Quercus, Larix, Cedrus, Fagus and Platanus. Age and size were the most used criteria for inclusion of trees in the census. The fundamental novelty of the new inventory is that it is based on a set of well-defined criteria of monumentality and that it clearly recognised the ecological value of ancient trees. Preserving a tree for its ecological role requires a profound cultural shift. The value of microhabitats, structures that have historically been considered defects, should be recognised and managed accordingly. Ancient trees are often part of disappearing cultural landscapes: to preserve the richness and diversity of these habitats, new policies and regulations are needed. The preservation of landscapes, where there is still a high density of ancient trees, should be a priority for all European countries in order to conserve their unique associated fauna and for their irreplaceable functional value for biodiversity conservation.

Walory przyrodnicze i kulturowe doliny Pisi

Pisia to lewostronny dopływ Neru płynący we wschodniej części gminy Uniejów. Jej dolina obejmuje 11,8 km2, z czego ponad 50% to łąki, 30% pola, 7% lasy, a ponad 10% obejmują inne formy użytkowania. Do najcenniejszych składników środowiska przyrodniczego doliny należą następujące siedliska: zmiennowilgotne łąki trzęślicowe (6410) i ziołorośla nadrzeczne (6430) oraz chronione i ginące gatunki roślin: goździk pyszny Dianthus superbus, groszek błotny Lathyrus palustris, gnidosz błotny Pedicularis palustris, turzyca darniowa Carex cespitosa i kukułka szerokolistna Dactylorhiza majalis. Faunę reprezentują m.in.: jeleń szlachetny Cervus elaphus, bóbr europejski Castor fiber, żuraw zwyczajny Grus grus, łabędź niemy Cygnus olor, dudek zwyczajny Upupa epos, kruk zwyczajny Corvus corax i myszołów zwyczajny Buteo buteo. Wartość przyrodniczą obszaru wzbogacają pomnikowe drzewa oraz zabytki kultury materialnej: dwory w Kozankach Podleśnych i w Bronowie. Zaproponowano objęcie doliny Pisi ochroną w formie obszaru chronionego krajobrazu oraz utworzenie na jej części zespołu przyrodniczo-krajobrazowego.

Árboles monumentales: un patrimonio natural no reconocido en Chile

This study defines and discusses the natural patrimony represented by monumental trees, i.e. large old trees of native tree species from Chile. These trees should be preserved because they: 1) foster natural fascination, 2) are rarities of nature, 3) provide ecosystem services, 4) allow the study of individual adaptations, 5) represent a biocultural patrimony and 6) have been strongly exploited. It is proposed to conduct a national survey of monumental trees and develop policy instruments to protect these trees.