Almond

The almond is one of the most widespread plant species in the Park and was described by Luigi Pirandello, together with the olive, as the 'wood of almonds and olives'. Its resistance to arid conditions, its rusticity and adaptability are such that it is also planted on fairly infertile and rough land, and it has become a characteristic element of the vegetation of the Valley of the Temples. Its precocious blossom, which sometimes occurs as early as December, lends the mid-winter landscape a truly unique and atmospheric appearance, which, together with the Temples, is a big attraction for tourists. Also in the Park is the Living Museum of the Almond Tree, which consists of about 300 varieties associated with the ancient Sicilian tradition of almond cultivation. Many varieties of pistachio and olive have also been planted in the museum area, thereby creating a 'living collection' of great scientific and cultural value, which brings together and preserves rare and fine varieties, including some that risk extinction, associated with Sicilian non-irrigated fruit-growing.

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Testo di:
Giovanni Leto Barone
admin by Tommaso Guagliardo