The Carballa da Rocha, half a millennium of Ourensivity of an oak in Rairiz

Longevity enhances its attraction over time and can translate into a long life for humans, animals… or plants. In A Saínza, municipality of Rairiz de Veiga, a few kilometers from Xinzo de Limia, “A Carballa da Rocha”, one of the oldest oaks in Spain, has survived for centuries. It is estimated that it was planted more than 500 years ago, although there is no specific date for this. The last major pruning of the historic oak was carried out more than half a century ago.

Its fame in the A Limia region is centuries old. It was declared a natural monument by the Xunta de Galicia on March 1, 2007, and covers a total of 0.6429 hectares between six neighboring farms. Its location is privileged, highly advisable to visit and get lost in the area, within the so-called Biosphere Reserve of the Allariz Area, one of the areas of greatest environmental value in the province of Ourense.

Its large trunk contains branches up to 6 meters high and, when it reaches 7 meters, it forks into two branches that rise up to 33 meters. Its perimeter is tremendously wide, 6 meters.

In addition to the botanical value of the oak, this specimen has an important cultural value for the residents of the area, since it is located in the vicinity of the chapel of the Virgin of Mercy, another emblematic place worth knowing.

Every September 24, during the patron saint’s festivities, the surroundings of this enclave become the scene of a pilgrimage each year in which the battles between Moors and Christians are recreated, an unusual tradition in Galicia and which is declared a Festival of Autonomous Tourist Interest. One of the best popular festivals in Galicia, with a deep-rooted tradition and an exquisite recreation of the war between the Moors and Christians.Survival due to gene mutation. Darwin once again joins Epigenetics

What explains this enormous longevity of some specimens like that of A Saínza? There is at least one important characteristic for the long life of some oaks, which can last up to 1,000 years.Survival due to gene mutation. Darwin once again joins Epigenetics

What explains this enormous longevity of some specimens like that of A Saínza? There is at least one important characteristic for the long life of some oaks, which can last up to 1,000 years.

One study showed that some specimens of these oak species contain a total of 26,000 genes. In multicellular organisms, somatic mutations accumulate during growth. Some researchers were able to detect rare somatic mutations and show that they can be inherited in the next generation of trees. Mutations are inherited, as are epigenetic changes, according to the latest advance in science.

The oak is widespread in the northern half of the Peninsula. It usually prefers acidic and cool soils, although it also adapts to land with temporary flooding, as is the case in areas of Rairiz de Veiga.

Regarding the uses of this species, it stands out fundamentally for its wood, since its resistance to humidity, weather and vibrations make it one of the preferred ones by the naval industry.

Regarding the uses of this species, it stands out fundamentally for its wood, since its resistance to humidity, weather and vibrations make it one of the preferred ones by the naval industry.

Always remember that oak trees………grow better in headwinds!

Pharmacist

Dietitian-Nutritionist