Guardian Giants
On the route that goes up from Fortín to the heights of Huatusco, huge trees took care of happy childhoods and convey the pride of being custodians of the environment.
Wind and laughter among the leaves
The wind whispers through the leaves of this guava tree (Psidium guajava L). Screams and laughter of girls accompanied that sound for many springs. The sisters made it their favorite playground, swing tree, and imaginary bus.
Flavors and memories
They have grown and continue to enjoy their guavas, but they savor even more the sweet memory of that long and uncontrollable laugh that ends in a tummy ache.
Magic swing (2021-03-24) by Lenin Suriano (fotógrafo) and Patricia Valencia Tecan (participante)Colectivo Rokunin
Rest in the shade
A good tree where to take a break to eat relieves and comforts those who live in the countryside. Under this capulín (Prunus salicifolia) a family used to regain strength during the bean harvest.
This tree, also known as mountain cherry, it is native to the Valley of México, from Sonora to Chiapas and Veracruz, and possibly western Guatemala. It was an important food for native peoples and is widely used in traditional medicine.
The fantastic tree
The children of this peasant family climbed it to catch the sweet fruit and imagine that they were flying by plane. As adults, this colossus continues to be "the fantastic tree" for them.
The image of the town
Home to countless generations of birds, this huapinole (Hymenaea courbaril L.) lives in a town that practices the solidarity economy and did not hesitate to put its image on local banknotes.
Great life companion (2021-04-02) by Edson Escamilla (fotógrafo) and Tamara Elia Olmos Kegel (participante)Colectivo Rokunin
Family treasure
This avocado tree (Persea americana "Hass") has been dropping its treasure in the lucky family garden for five decades. How not to want it, if each generation has seen it rise a little more, reaching more than a ton of fruit a year.
Magic resists
Despite several seasons of excessive rain that damaged its roots, this great specimen is still there, providing freshness and food for all the inhabitants of the house. Thanks to him, this family believes in magic.
Coffee custodians
The giant known as the zope tree (Schizolobium parahyba) guards thousands of coffee bushes in this region, sheltered from the sun thanks to the wide canopies of this tree. The curves of its branches captivate the eye and its yellow flowers are loved by bees.
This is one of six online exhibitions resulting from Colectivo Rokunin's Trees 2021 Project. With an open call in the central area of Veracruz, citizens were invited to share important trees in their lives. Thanks to the involvement of more than 80 people (almost 60 participants, in addition to the jury, photographers, designers and artists) these testimonies of the powerful bond that unites humans and trees took shape.
Guardian giants Trees
Project, Colectivo Rokunin 2021, Veracruz, Mexico.
Text: Teresa Morte
Research: Norma Falcón and Itzel Mendoza
Style correction: Alejandra Mendoza
Design: Roberto González, Alejandra Mendoza and Teresa Morte
Illustrations: Mark Quijano
Photographs: Eder Alonzo, Lenin Suriano and Edson Escamilla
License: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
With the generous support of Cetia Media
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