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Environment and landscape
AN ARDUOUS TASK
ages; some date back to the Renaissance or even earlier, but father. Not least because it has to be done quickly, against they all bear fruits, and some are now unique one-offs. Each progress that, bit by bit, eats away hectares of tradition, tree has a plate bearing its own colourful name: Pesca Sanagainst the spread of mankind which relegates these silent, guinella (Blood Peach), Susina Scosciamonaca (Nun’s Thigh gnarled witnesses of days-gone-by to the role of refugees Plums), Fico Asinaccio (Donkey Fig) and Pera Briaca (Drunfrom the past. In fact, the specimens collected here tell us ken Pear). Names that are instantly appealing and even arouse the story of a time when fruit trees, cultivated essentially for a feeling of fondness. Perhaps it is for this reason that Isabella domestic use, served more than one purpose: not only were Dalla Ragione has resorted to unusual means to support her they a nourishment, a medical remedy and a valuable source work, such as long distance adoption: with a small donation of wood, but they were also the dowry of country brides. to the association (which is a nonprofit organisation), anyone Accordingly they rightfully belong to the historical, cultural can sponsor the Mela Muso di Bue (Ox Face Apple) or other and landscape heritage of the local people. specimens that live on this fairytale land. The only duty of In 1997, Livio and Isabella also published a book entitled the sponsors is to visit the chosen tree at least once a year and Archeologia arborea. Diario di due cercatori di piante (Arboreal to bring it a symbolic gift. In return they are entitled to the Archeology, a diary of two fruit explorers), reprinted several tiharvest, except for three fruits, one for the Sun, one for the mes since then. In it they tell the story of their outstanding Earth and one for the tree, just as custom once had it. experience in biodiversity, arousing the interest of internaThere is something poetic tional publications such as the about the noble work that New Yorker, which dedicated Isabella continues today them one of their illustrious without her father, who front covers a few years after. passed away a few years Isabella then went on to write ago. She does it with little other books, but without ever help but plenty of motilosing sight of her cause to vation, perseverance and a care personally for these frahealthy dose of fatalism. In gile “orphans”, giving them a her case, getting her hands new home, tending to them dirty to give new life to trees with passion and sacrifices, destined to oblivion is more and making them fertile once than just a job. But when the again. The orchard-collection earth is loved with sincerity which has been put together and dedication, it always reover the years numbers appays the effort. As Charles proximately 400 specimens Dickens wrote, “Train up a of different species, including PRESERVING NATURE fig tree in the way it should apple, pear, cherry, plum, fig, Above, grafting a red apple on a new trunk. Top, from left, Isabella go, and when you are old sit almond and medlar, in 150 Dalla Ragione identifying fruits in old herbaria; young suckers of historical fruit varieties. Opposite page, «budding» young trees. under the shade of it”. varieties. They are of different
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CONTRASTO
RESISTING AGAINST THE SPREAD OF MANKIND THAT RELEGATES THESE GNARLED WITNESSES OF THE PAST TO THE ROLE OF SILENT REFUGEES
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