National Natural Monument

Also known for something, according to the famous writer Dora Alonso, as the crazy garden. Also found at the entrance and scattered throughout the garden some ferns of interest, mainly by its beauty or its properties. Among the first are representatives of the genus Cyathea, known as tree ferns. Two representatives of the Polypodium genus can be observed on trees: Polypodium aureum and P. polypodioides.

Both are used, according to local tradition, to fight liver disease. In regards to the second, it is common to see over the trees, mainly in the summer, seemingly dead and withered; to put it in a vase with water or after a downpour, it regains its luxuriance in a few minutes, totally changing the physiognomy of the forest in the garden. Next to the entrance door is one of the most important plants of Cuba and known around the world. It is the only one of our plants declared National Natural Monument since 1980. Belongs to a family with very few species on the planet, each which is a rarity in the world. This species coexisted with dinosaurs, large Jurassic reptiles already missing, reaching us despite the great cataclysms of the Caribbean area. It seems a Palm and isn’t it.

Reproduces by cones. His name is Microcycas calocoma, popularly known as Palma Cork. The same name does not reflect their true appearance, since neither is small (micro) nor is a Cycas and much less a Palm. All curiosity. Everything described belongs to the front area, where you will find most of the ornamental plants, which can be planted in small beds, in soil or in pots that hang on the walls of the House. The colouring comes from flowers and multicolored leaves the crotos (Codiaeum variegatum), the robes (Plectranthus scutellarioides) and the Chinese madamas of various colors (Impatiens wallerana), among other many plants. Also from the garden area where trees have been placed numerous ornaments, mainly toys. In addition, most fragrant plants are nearly the entry, attracting the attention of passers-by, which is accentuated in the evening and early hours of the night. Once inside and visited this first part, the temptation to move to the interior and venture into the forest is irresistible. The rest of the garden will be described in the next article, in which you will know some of the orchid species that inhabit Eastern place and different trees of this curious spot. We invite you to visit the garden. You will not regret.

Author: admin