Xilitla´s Tropical Forest and the Edward James Sculpture Garden
Behold the beauty of Xilitla´s Tropical Forest and how it inspired Edward James on the construction of his Garden.
Sunrise at Xilitla (1947/1984) by Edward JamesJardín Escultórico Edward James, Las Pozas
Xilitla
Xilitla is a municipality located in the state of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. It hosts a large number of ecosystems with very diverse types of vegetation.
The Edward James Sculpture Garden is in the jungle, but it is not just any jungle, it is a type of jungle that is characterized by huge trees of 30 meters high or more, of which less than 25% lose their leaves throughout the year. This area is called high evergreen rainforest.
Green corridors (1947/1984) by Edward JamesJardín Escultórico Edward James, Las Pozas
Enjoy the freshness of the jungle
This type of jungle is the most splendid of all, since humidity abounds and high temperatures are common. These characteristics allow the good growth of trees and other diverse plants of smaller size to emerge.
Common tree species
The most frecuent tree species at the Edward James Sculpture Garden are Fig tree (Ficus spp.), Jonote (Heliocarpus donnellsmithii), Guarumo (Cecropia spp.), Colorín (Erythrina spp), Mocoque (Pseudobombax ellipticum), Palo mulato (Bursera simaruba) and Mauto (Lysiloma spp.).
The Cinematograph surrounded by mist (1947/1984) by Edward JamesJardín Escultórico Edward James, Las Pozas
Ecological relevance
All this tree species fulfill very important ecological functions, one of them is the maintenance of environmental humidity through the evapotranspiration process. In addition, this causes the misty landscapes that are one of the most remarkable characteristics of this region.
On the other hand, this gigant trees give shelter to many species of birds, reptiles, insects and other types of animals.
Soil component
Trees are also relevant for the process of soil formation. When the leaves of the trees fall to the ground, they decompose and constitute an essential part of the soil, giving it nutrients that are vital for the maintenance of life.
An opportunity to conserve biodiversity
For the conservation of biodiversity, this type of vegetation is of great relevance, since there is an immense number of species associated with it, because today, many of them are at risk of disappearing.
Identity
This jungle ecosystem gives identity to the landscapes of the Sculpture Garden, which is among the exotic beauty that characterizes this region of the country and that constitutes one of the few portions of this type of ecosystems that still remain in Mexico.
Text from: Pedro and Elena Hernández Foundation CSO, 2019, unpublished work.
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