re: botanical sights in spain?
- To: a*@ucla.edu
- Subject: re: botanical sights in spain?
- From: i*@cgac.es
- Date: Mon, 03 Apr 2000 09:57:32 +0200
> hello,
>
> I will be in Spain for two weeks in July, one week in Madrid and one week
> in Galicia. I was wondering if anyone has a favorite botanical site in
> those areas that they would recommend for a visit. Any place where I can
> ogle plants sounds lovely: nature areas with indigenous flora (we plan to
> hike a lot to work off all the food we will be consuming!), botanical
> gardens, nurseries (even though I won't be able to transport plants back
> to the United States).
>
Madrid:
The botanical gardens - next to the Prado museum - are small but boast
some lovely trees. I haven't been for years but the huge nettle trees
(Celtis australis) instantly come to mind. Great trees also in the
Retiro park. For a day trip "away from it all" take the train from
Chamartín up into the Guadarrama mountains NW of the city. The ride
through the Pardo is worth the trip on its own. Out of bounds to the
public it is a huge expanse of rich "dehesa" formation - parklike holm
oak forest - with loads of deer, wild boar, rare raptors etc. For
walking in the Guadarrama invest in a small guidebook or email me
privately if you want some pointers.
> this is a bit off topic, but is there a bookstore in Madrid with a
> particularly interesting horticulture section?
You could try La Librería Verde. I think its in Calle Maudes.
I am learning spanish and
> trying to read plant/garden books seems like a good way to increase my
> vocabulary and reading skills :) any recommendations for books on medit
> plants available only in spanish would be greatly appreciated.
>
Best buy, IMHO, is Guía Incafo de los Arboles y Arbustos de la Península
Ibérica, ISBN 84-85389-34-4. The best all round trees and shrubs guide
around. Mainly concerned with wild species. Very informative text.
Have fun.
Damian Martin
Talavera, 100 km west of Madrid.
