In a tale that spans continents and centuries, a seedling from Sydney has woven its roots into the very fabric of European history and hearts.
The majestic Moreton Bay fig (Ficus macrophylla), affectionately known as an Australian banyan, has stood tall and proud in the romantic Quinta das Lágrimas Gardens of Coimbra, Portugal, for 150 years.
This arboreal marvel has recently been honoured as one of the most significant trees in Europe, securing the runner-up position in the prestigious European Tree of the Year competition.
The Environmental Partnership Association organises this annual celebration of arboreal heritage, which is determined by a popular vote from European tree enthusiasts.
The competition aims to highlight the beauty and uniqueness of European landscape trees. This year’s winner was a 300-year-old beech tree in Poland. The tree is known for its cultural significance and the belief that it grants wishes to those who toss peanuts into a hollow in its trunk.
Our Australian Moreton Bay fig, however, has its own enchanting story. Planted in the 19th century by the aristocratic tree collector Miguel Osorio Cabral, the seed was part of an exchange with the Sydney Botanic Gardens.
Over the years, it has grown into a breathtaking spectacle, with its expansive branches, colossal trunk, and striking buttress roots. It’s no wonder thousands of visitors flock to see it annually, drawn by its size and beauty.
Locals have enjoyed the Lover’s Banyan Tree for over 150 years. Image source: Hugo Pinheiro
Its local moniker, The Lovers’ Banyan Tree, is steeped in romance and tragedy. It stands next to the Fountain of Lovers, the site of the secret and ill-fated love affair between King Pedro of Portugal and Inês de Castro in the 14th century.
This historical backdrop only adds to the tree’s allure, symbolising enduring love and passion.
Native to the eastern coast of Australia, Moreton Bay figs have been a global sensation since the 1800s, gracing public parks and gardens worldwide as ‘feature trees’.
From California to Auckland, these trees have adapted to various climates. However, they thrive best in subtropical conditions, much like their original habitat, which stretched from southern Queensland to the Shoalhaven River on the NSW south coast.
The European Tree of the Year competition, now in its 15th year, garners intense interest and hundreds of thousands of votes, reflecting people’s deep connection with these living monuments.
The winners are traditionally honoured in an awards ceremony at the European Parliament in Brussels, celebrating their ecological and cultural significance.
This year’s third-place winner was the Pino de Juan Molinera, a stone pine in Spain, while a 700-year-old oak in the Czech Republic and a 150-year-old wild pear in Slovakia’s rural Bošáca also featured in the top five.
Our Australian Moreton Bay fig’s recognition in Europe is a testament to the tree’s remarkable journey and the shared appreciation of nature’s wonders worldwide.
It’s a reminder of our world’s interconnectedness and the stories that trees, as silent witnesses to history, can tell.
We celebrate this vintage Australian tree’s international acclaim and invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with trees that have touched your lives.
Have you encountered these natural giants on your travels or in your backyard? Let us know in the comments below—we’d love to hear your stories!
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