The holm or evergreen oak (Quercus ilex) of Mas Pujol Nou is a monumental tree of Catalonia picking the name from the property of the Artés district where it is located between the road C-25 -this is the transversal axis of Catalonia- and the Gavarresa stream. The large oak is on the plain of the left bank of Gavarresa stream, opposite to the southwestern end of the long cliff of red shale we consider the stratotype of the Artés geological formation.
The holm oak of Mas Pujol Nou thrives in a plane, open and sunny area displaying a magnificent and balanced canopy of about 20 meters high and 25 in diameter. The thick trunk splits when still short extending radial branches that branch again and again in a prodigy of fractal shapes that never repeat exactly to fill in the full volume and to stand the large canopy.
One poster explains that the holm oak is awarded as a monumental tree of Catalonia. A table made of rock, additional big stones that draw the area below the canopy while keeping vehicles away, and a trash basket complete the condition, make the shadow of the holm oak even more pleasant, and invite to meet.
[photos Jordi Badia]