The “Ficus Centenario de San Jacinto” in Triana, one year after it was nearly destroyed. Once standing twice as high as the church, after years of the parish being negligent in its maintenance, they used the excuse that the roots were causing damage to the building to have it cut down, which was authorised by the City Council. Thanks to public outcry and citizen mobilisation in the streets and in the courts, the ficus was saved last minute, but not before it looked like it may not actually survive.

The City Council has since decided that the survival of the ficus is in the best interests of the city and its residents and has taken over the responsibility of its care and maintenance. I mean honestly, a year ago I thought it was dead (see pics below) but then it started sprouting leaves again and it’s a joy to see it recovering. I don’t suppose I’ll live long enough to see it grow taller than the church again (it’s 110 years old!) but this will do for now.

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