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The selected trees stand out from the others due to their age, their monumental size, their connection to the Royal Botaic Garden's history and tradition, or their inclusion in the Community of Madrid's Catalog of Unique Trees (Catálogo de Árboles Singulares de la Comunidad de Madrid).
Aleppo pine (Around 1806)Royal Botanic Gardens (RJB-CSIC)
Aleppo pine/Pinus halepensis
A fast-growing species, this tree can grow up to 65 feet (20 m) in height. But this specimen in the Royal Botanic Garden stretches far above that at 112 feet (34 m), which is quite unusual. That is why it has been included in the Community of Madrid's Catalog of Unique Trees. Its timber is not very good quality and its use in carpentry is limited.
Himalayan weeping pine (Around 1950)Royal Botanic Gardens (RJB-CSIC)
Himalayan white pine/Pinus wallichiana
This pine can be distinguished from other species of conifer by its long needles, which are grouped in bundles of five. This species of tree is very important to locals in the Himalayas. This particular specimen is listed in the Community of Madrid's Catalog of Unique Trees.
Canary Island palm (Around 1904)Royal Botanic Gardens (RJB-CSIC)
Canary Island date palm/Phoenix canariensis
This tree grows naturally throughout Spain's Canary Islands, but has been planted all around the world. Similar in appearance to the date palm, it can be distinguished by its shorter and wider trunk, and its smaller dates. This specimen, located in the garden's Glorieta de Linneo (a circular plaza), is listed in the Community of Madrid's Catalog of Unique Trees.
Planetree (Around 1856)Royal Botanic Gardens (RJB-CSIC)
Oriental plane/Platanus orientalis
This deciduous tree is highly resistant to pollution. That, and the fact that it is a large species with big leaves, are the reason it has been planted in many parts of Madrid. This specimen in the Royal Botanic Garden is 170 years old and 118 feet (36 m) high.
Oaktree (Around 1875)Royal Botanic Gardens (RJB-CSIC)
English oak/Quercus robus
A deciduous tree native to Europe and western Asia. Its high-quality wood has a special role in whiskey production, with its unique aromatic properties. The barrels used to store whiskey are made of oak. This specimen in the Royal Botanic Garden is approximately 150 years old.
Yew (Around 1890)Royal Botanic Gardens (RJB-CSIC)
Yew/Taxus baccata
This tree is native to western, central, and southern Europe. The entire tree is highly poisonous, except for the edible red aril or outer flesh of its false fruit. It is sweet and has a gelatinous consistency, but you have to be careful not to swallow the seed. Yew trees are used in medicine to treat heart conditions and cancer.
Linden (Around 1922)Royal Botanic Gardens (RJB-CSIC)
Large-leaved linden/Tilia platyphyllos
The large-leaved linden or large-leaved lime is a deciduous tree. Its flowers are used to make linden tea, which is known for its relaxing properties. It is a symbol of love and friendship. In Greek civilization, it was the ultimate medicinal tree. For Germans, it symbolizes peace. The specimen in the Royal Botanic Garden is just around 100 years old.
Redwood (Around 1881)Royal Botanic Gardens (RJB-CSIC)
Coast redwood/Sequoia sempervirens
The coast redwood or California redwood is considered a giant in the plant world because of the size it can grow to. Some specimens have measured 394 feet (120 m) in height. The tree's name refers to that of a Cherokee man, called Sequoyah. He created the Cherokee syllabary or writing system, making it possible for people to understand his tribe's language. This specimen in the Royal Botanic Garden is approaching 150 years old.
Elm of the Caucasus (Around 1801)Royal Botanic Gardens (RJB-CSIC)
Caucasian elm/Zelkova carpinifolia
This deciduous tree can grow to 130 feet (40 m) high. The specimen in the Royal Botanic Garden has reached this height, making it the tallest tree in the garden. The trees originate from the Caucasus Mountains and were introduced to Europe in the 18th century. This specimen features in the Community of Madrid's Catalog of Unique Trees.
Pomegranate (Around 1925)Royal Botanic Gardens (RJB-CSIC)
Want to discover more unique trees?
If you haven't already done so, you can find out about some more unique trees in the first part of this article.
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