The holm oak tree from Alportel, in São Brás de Alportel, the royal olive tree from Pedras d'El Rei (Tavira) and the ancient olive tree from Quinta do Morgado do Quintão, in Lagoa, are the three specimens from the Algarve that are candidates for Tree of the Year 2023.
In addition to these trees from the Algarve, there are also examples from other regions: the oak from Calvos (Póvoa de Lanhoso), the giant chestnut tree from Guilhafonso (Guarda), the eucalyptus from Contige (Sátão), the metrosidero or fire tree from Mafra, the olive tree of Casais de São Brás (Santarém), the olive tree of the Pharaohs, of Mouriscas (Abrantes), and even the plane tree of the Anadia Palace (Mangualde).
The holm oak (Quercus rotundifolia) from Alportel is about 250 years old, 17 meters high and 5 meters in trunk perimeter.
The fame of the Azinheira de Alportel goes beyond the boundaries of the municipality of São Brás de Alportel. Due to its remarkable size, it was classified as a Tree of Public Interest in 1942.
Centuries old, she has an intimate relationship with the community. It is a source of acorns, which families ate, by tradition, at Christmas and which is the pig’s food par excellence, however, its most important role is as a “stage” for countless moments of joy, conviviality, learning and communion with the nature.
The Oliveira de Lagoa (Olea europaea), which must be around 2000 years old, is located in Morgado do Quintão, on a farm dedicated to wine production and, nowadays, to wine tourism, which has been in the hands of the same family for 300 years.
It is 7 meters high and as many in perimeter.
The royal olive tree at Aldeamento Pedras d'el Rei in Tavira is 2226 years old. Planted in Roman times, it is contemporary with Jesus Christ, fed and enlightened various peoples who passed through here, having witnessed many battles.
Its large twisted trunk reveals the marks left by time, the inner part is hollow and has given way to a circular space with a diameter of 1,30m. It was classified as a tree of public interest in 1984.
The tree with the most votes will represent Portugal in the European contest «Tree of the Year 2023».
Votes remain secret from January 1st. You can vote until the 5th of January, at 23:59, by clicking here.
The winning tree will be announced on the 6th of January.
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