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(silk tree)
Its flowers explain its nickname, bouquets of
long light, pink sticks with a point of yellow
and white to their end. Its foliage is pinnate
(notched leafs) which adds to the impression of
lightness. Needs a good sunny spot and well-drained
ground. |
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The Oak tree (Holm Oak, Pubescens Oak, Cork Oak) |
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(Quercus)
Although the three differ greatly from each other
they are all indigenous to our region. Only the
Pubescens Oak has deciduous leaves. The Holm Oak
can grow to up to 10 to 15 metres high. It grows
at a very slow rate but can live for a long time.
Many of the oak forests which once existed in
our region have unfortunately since been damaged.
The Pubescens Oak (white, black or truffle) is
the largest and is famous for harbouring truffles
- found by its roots. The third of the oaks the
Cork Oak is easily identified with its knotty
trunk. The bark is used for making corks and for
insulation. Its wood is also valued in carpentry
construction and as firewood. Wild boars find
the acorns that it produces a delicacy. |
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(Cupressus sempervirens)
Can be seen in many Mediterranean regions. Its
elegant candle shaped silhouette often lines residential
areas or is planted as hedges as a protection
against the wind. It has an extremely resistant
wood and can last for as long as 3000 years, which
is why it is often used in replanting forest areas.
In Provence, planting 3 cypress trees in a triangle,
signifies hospitality. |
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(L'Eucalyptus Globulus)
The leaves of the young tree are round in shape
but become more elongated as the tree matures.
It does not withstand frost. It has an easily
identifiable fragrance which is commonly used
in pharmacopoeia. It is another wood sought after
by carpenters and florists alike, being very hard
and heavy but also finds its place in flower arranging
and decorating bouquets. There exists more than
600 different kinds of eucalyptus with the main
majority originating from Australia and Tasmania. |
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(Myrtacées)
A Small tree or shrub with persistent green dark
leaves on the surface, and white/grey underneath.
It is covered in summer with simple flowers of
white and red, which are very decorative. Little
known, this tree fruits abundantly provided there
is more than one tree, and that the summer is
sufficiently hot: the flowers eventually produce
very tasty green fruits. Feijoa needs a well-drained
ground and a good sunny position. |
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(Morus)
The white Mulberry tree was brought back from
Constantinople in the 9th century, at the same
time as silkworm breeding first appeared in France.
The silk worms were kept in buildings and were
fed with large quantities of mulberry leaves,
the unique food of the silk worms) The berries
are used for culinary purposes (syrups and jams)
and for medicinal purposes as it contains high
does of vitamin C, useful in treating sore throats.
This tree itself is characterised by short trunk
and a round dense foliage. The blackberry tree
is very similar although its berries are not as
appreciated by the silk worms. The Platane Murier
is a grafted tree resulting in a parasol shape
with large, wide, dark green leaves offering very
effective shade from the sun. |
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(Olea)
This tree comes from the Middle East but has become
a typical Provencal feature. Its foliage is silvery
grey in colour and there is no mistaking its gnarled
and knotty trunk. Its fruit, the olives are used
for producing oil and its wood is popular with
craftsman. An Olive tree can have a lifespan of
up to a 1000 years. |
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(Pinus Pinea)
Probably the most beautiful of the conifers, it
can be recognised easily by its shape, hence the
name. Its pine needles have a strong and distinctive
fragrance and its seeds are frequently used in
cooking, (cakes & pastries) It has a wood
that is widely used in both carpentry and in for
construction. |
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(Platanus acerifolia)
The deciduous leaves of this tree can grow to
be anywhere between 25cm and 28cm wide. The male
and female glands (in the form of ping-pong sized
balls) are located at the end of its branches.
The Maple is a tree which has a strong resistance
to pollution. When left un-pruned it takes on
a very impresive air. Unfortunately, it is particularily
prone to fungus attacks On visiting 'Place des
Lices' in St Tropez, its possible to see them
protected by metal hoops to prevention to stop
the trunks from splitting. |
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(or Cocos Australis)
Is a very handsome palm tree which grows at a
very slow rate. It has palm leaves grow in a semi
circular arch shape towards the trunk. It is an
unusual blue grey colour which add to its charm
and it bears an orange/yellow coloured fruit which
tastes of a mixture of kiwi and pineapple. This
fruit can be used to make jam or eaten on its
own and is sometimes used to make wine. |
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Or false dwarf palm, has a large trunk and fleshy
palm leaves. It grows extremely slowly and bears
a huge flower which can measure up to 2 metres
in height. This flower can be admired at the top
of the trunk, between its leaves. |
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Similar to the Canariensis, it's trunk and leaves
grow to an impressive size although it is rarely
seen in our gardens. |
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This Palm tree can be observed in great numners
on the Riviera and arrived in France from the
Canary Islands. It has a massive trunk and it
leaves are supple and very long (approx 5metres).
It has grape like yellow flowers and is largely
cultivated attaining heights of over 10 metres. |
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Very similar to the Canariensis but with a thinner
trunk and shorter palms. It reaches heights of
between 10 and 20 metres. Its dates are widely
appreciated in The Middle East and Northen Africa
for their nutritional value. |
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(Chinese Palm)
Very similar to the Humilis in colour and the
shape of its leaves. It has a very slim trunk
and grows up to 8 metres in height. Unlike the
Humilis, it has stalks and leaves which are quite
smooth to touch and has no spines. It can resist
frosts of -10C . |
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Or
Dwarf palm, is the only native palm tree to the
Mediterranean. It grows in a bush like manner,
producing several trunks which are known as heads.
Its stalks are full of small teeth spines which
are often used in decoration . |
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A small palm tree with on original blue grey colour,
and a trunk the shape of a Perrier bottle which
grows at a slow rate . |
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(Robusta ou Filifera)
Larger in trunk and with bigger leaves than the
other species but with a far quicker growth rate
this one grows very quickly. |
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Holidays
