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Prunus Dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb. var. dulcis

A large almond tree, approx. 170-180 years old, grows near olive and pistachio trees in San Crispino (San Giovanni Gemini); this tree stands on the edge of an agricultural field, along the provincial road to Agrigento. It is 36-ft tall, with a trunk circumference of about 8.2 ft, 4.2 ft from the ground, and then expanding to 8.8 ft. It looks in good health and it’s probably one of the longest-lived almond trees in the province of Agrigento. The sturdy trunk appears split into 4 main branches at some 6.5 ft from the ground. Each branch exceeds 3.2 ft. in circumference. The foliage is wide and shaped as an inverted cone. A red woodpecker has built its nest in the north-west branch.

How to reach it

Take the SP 58 to Agrigento. Once you’ve reached km. 19 + 810, turn left and continue for some 700 yards. The tree is on the left side, about 5 6 yards from the road edge.

Botanical sheet

Belonging to the Rosaceae family, the almond tree (known as “Miennula” in Sicilian dialect), is native to south-western Asia, widespread in the Mediterranean, and abundant on southern Atlantic coastlines. It seems to have been introduced in Greece by the Phoenicians and then brought to Italy, France, and Spain.

This species features a taproot system, while the stem appears straight and smooth in young individuals, eventually becoming twisted and cracked. The flowers, white or slightly pink, generally bloom in early spring, or even between January and February (in areas with a mild climate).

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)