Xilological analysis: a contribution to the history of the "Gallerie" of Castel Gandolfo (Rome).

Abstract

The ancient trees in parks, gardens and avenues are the historical evidences of an aesthetic choice of the trends and inspirations of the designers. They also represent a valuable source of information on events that occurred during their existence. Xylological analysis conducted on the trunk sections make it possible to determine the age of the trees, thereby estimation of the plantation period was possible with a sharp precision as well as to identify growth anomalies which could mark specific events, such as climatic, biological or antropic incidents, occurred over time. Even though, the trees could be dead, their stump could be found which is a valuable research tool despite the absence of written records. The aim of this study is to determine the age and origin of the Quercus ilex L. trees by analysing the annual rings identified on the sectioned disks. Four stumps of Quercus ilex L. were obtained from the “Gallerie” (avenues) leading to the Pope’s historical residence at Castel Gandolfo and were sectioned from the basal region. The annual rings from the sections reveal that all the trees are the same age and are placing their first years of life in the mid-nineteenth century. The characteristic features of the annual rings also reveal that the trees are of asexual origin. In conclusion, this study proves that xylological analysis is an interesting approach for accurate understanding of historical events in the urban systems and for reading evolutionary processes of the green component which undoubtedly have an "environmental" value as well as decorative, historical and artistic ones.