The Ficus macrophylla f. columnaris is an element of exceptional botanical value within the Botanical Garden of Palermo, a repository and witness to centuries of history and a link between the past, present and future.

This specimen, native to Queensland and New South Wales in Australia, was introduced to our Botanical Garden in 1845 and from here began its spread to the historic gardens of Sicily and southern Italy.

It is a veritable vegetal cathedral, 25 metres high, with a trunk circumference of 45 metres, a monumental specimen not only for its considerable size but also from a biological, landscape, historical and cultural point of view.

The plant develops numerous aerial roots which, once they reach the ground, become
supports for its enormous canopy, while long, sinuous tabular roots snake across the ground. Its canopy of small, bright green leaves covers an area of almost 3,000 m², making it the tree with the largest canopy in Europe.

It is over 180 years old and is the symbol of this Botanical Garden, which houses species from all continents.

The specimen is distinguished by its peculiar multi-stemmed structure, i.e. it has several stems. This conformation developed from a central body that underwent a symphysis (fusion) of corms and aerial roots. The plant grows in all spatial directions:

Vertical growth: the central body develops upwards, reaching a height of 25 metres.

Horizontal growth: the main branches extend laterally, almost horizontally, supported by a complex system of columnar stems. There are 44 stems, the largest of which have a circumference of about 3.60 m, supporting the elongation of eleven large main branches, developing almost horizontally, from which the lower branches depart.

Downward growth: the aerial roots extend towards the ground to anchor themselves, transforming into additional trunks that contribute to supporting the structure.

Radial growth: long, sinuous tabular roots snake across the surface of the ground, further reinforcing the tree's stability.

The dimensions of this Ficus are extraordinary and have earned it the title of tree with the largest crown in Europe.

Height: 25 metres

Foliage area: Approximately 2,900 m²

Main trunk circumference: 14.75 metres

Total trunk perimeter: 45 metres

These characteristics make it a specimen of great scientific interest, not only for its size, but also for its adaptability and the ecological and historical role it plays

On National Tree Day (21 November), the large Ficus macrophylla f. columnaris in the Botanical Garden of Palermo was voted “Italian Tree of the Year 2022” in a competition organised by the Giant Trees Foundation to promote Italian trees and landscapes. The challenge aimed to raise awareness of the green giants of the Italian landscape through images and stories that make them interesting.

With almost 42,000 votes, the Ficus of the Garden won the challenge between four of the most important Italian botanical gardens and their most representative trees, obtaining the title of the tree richest in history of our arboreal heritage.

Thanks to this victory, it had the honour of representing Italy in the “European Tree of the Year 2023” competition, competing against winners from 18 European countries. This success not only highlights the beauty of our natural wonders, but also underlines the fundamental work of scientific institutions in protecting biodiversity.