This Christmas we propose a visit to ULisboa Botanical Gardens to learn about the plants associated with the Christmas season.
What are their origins and why are they associated with Christmas?
Pinus pinea L.
This plant is native to the Mediterranean region, occurring in southern Europe and the Levant, and was later successfully introduced to many other countries.
During the Christmas season it is often used as a Christmas tree. This species contributes to the sustainability of the planet, being one of the species chosen for reforestation actions in areas susceptible to desertification.
The traditional Christmas tree is often planted in a pot or cleared from pine forests by certified public or private entities.
JBA: 38.706173 -9.202533
JBT: 38.700153 -9.202856, 38.698711 -9.201714
JBL: 38.718666 -9.149842
Olea europaea L.
The olive tree is native to Mediterranean Europe, Asia and Africa.
A symbol of peace, the olive tree is often given in a vase as a Christmas present.
JBL: 38.718291 -9.149254
Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch
TAlso known as Poinsettia, this species' native distribution ranges from Mexico to Guatemala and has been introduced to many other countries on different continents.
The association of this species with Christmas is due to some legends and to the Franciscan friars in Mexico who included it in their Christmas celebrations in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Its name has the specific Latin epithet of "pulcherrima": the most beautiful. The name "Poinsettia" derives from the name of the first US ambassador to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett, who brought it to the US in the 19th century.
The star-shaped leaf symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem and the red represents the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ.
JBA: 38.706277 -9.201299
JBL: 38.717913 -9.151357
JBT: 38.700322 -9.202371 (área de acesso condicionado, local só visitável com acompanhamento de um funcionário)
Ilex aquifolium L.
Holly, also known as Visqueiro, Pica-folha, Xardo, is a plant native to Europe and northwest Africa and has been introduced to several countries. It is widely distributed in Portugal, especially in the north of the country.
Since 1989, the spontaneous cutting and sale of this species in mainland Portugal has not been allowed without the proper accreditation.
It is widely used in Christmas decorations, especially for wreaths, garlands and centerpieces. Centuries before Christmas was celebrated, the plant was already used in celebrations by the Celts and Romans.
Ruscus spp. (various species in gardens)
The gilbardeira or Erva-dos-vasculhos, in the case of Ruscus aculeatus, is an autochthonous species of Portugal and is present throughout the country. Its native range extends from Macaronesia to the western Mediterranean and southern Central Europe to the Caucasus and North Africa.
It began to be harvested at Christmas time when holly was scarce. It is used in floral arrangements, but the native species should not be harvested in its natural habitats.
JBA: 38.706515 -9.199568
JBT: 38.699480 -9.202225
JBL: 38.718231 -9.149140
Scorpiurium circinatum (Brid.) M.Fleisch. & Loeske
Depending on the species, it can be found all over the planet.
In mainland Portugal there are more than 700 species of bryophytes (mosses, liverworts and anthocerotes), 30% of which have a high conservation status. This information is only possible thanks to the existence of herbaria, such as the LISU herbarium at ULisboa.
It is often used in the construction of nativity scenes, however, this tradition has a major impact on natural habitats, as these organisms are important for combating erosion, fixing water in the soil and also as an ecological niche for various species of animals. It's important to avoid buying these species and instead opt for wheat or alpaca seeds.
JBL: 38.718840 -9.150540
Hedera spp.
There are several species of Ivy in the three Botanical Gardens of ULisboa. Most of the native species are native to most of Europe and western Asia.
They are used in Christmas decorations, especially in wreaths, garlands and centerpieces, or even in flower boxes or hanging baskets.
JBA: 38.705859 -9.2011856, 38.706442 -9.199291
Cladonia spp. (among other genera)
Their distribution and common name depend on the species, and there are many hundreds of different species in Portugal in different habitats.
Lichens are not plants, they are associations of at least three organisms, two fungi and an alga. They are used to build nativity scenes and are often sold as "white moss".
Lichens should not be removed from their ecosystems because, like mosses, they combat erosion, fix the soil and are important components of the so-called "soil crusts", as if they were the "skin" of the earth, playing a very important ecological role.
JBL: 38.718373 -9.14948
Where can you find these specimens?
They are distributed throughout our gardens. Get to know them a little better.
Created at the end of the 19th century, the Lisbon Botanical Garden (JBL) covers an area of 4 hectares and has a plant collection with specimens from all over the world. The Garden is divided into two areas: the class and the arboretum. The class corresponds to the area where the species are taxonomically organized in beds arranged around a central pond. The arboretum features large plants, including collections of cycads, palms and tropical fig trees. The greenhouse, the herbarium building and the Astronomical Observatory are located on the grade. In 2010 it was classified as a National Monument.
Contacts
T. +351 213 921 800
E. geral@museus.ulisboa.pt
W. museus.ulisboa.pt
The Tropical Botanical Garden (JBT) is a green space of scientific and recreational interest covering around 7 hectares. It is essentially made up of exotic species planted to develop the study of the flora of the Portuguese colonies. Planted on gently sloping land, the garden includes boulevards, lakes, greenhouses, experimental fields, an oriental garden and flowerbeds where various exotic species are scattered, as well as a herbarium. At the north end of the garden is the Calheta Palace, built as a summer house in the mid-17th century by João Gonçalves da Câmara, 4th Count of Calheta. In 2007, the garden was classified as a National Monument.
Contacts
T. +351 213 921 808
E. geral@museus.ulisboa.pt
W. museus.ulisboa.pt
The Ajuda Botanical Garden (JBA) is Portugal's first botanical garden and has been in existence for over 240 years.
This historic garden, with an area of 3.5 hectares, has a vast botanical collection, a seed conservation bank, a distiller of essential oils from aromatic plants, among other resources.
Contacts
T. +351 213 622 503
E. botanicoajuda@isa.ulisboa.pt
W. isa.ulisboa.pt
Scientific Coordination: César Garcia
Photos of the plants: César Garcia