Botanical Garden's Metrosidero in Porto shortlisted for European Tree of the year

The octogenarian and imposing Metrosidero (Metrosideros excelsa) located at the Botanical Garden of Porto is shortlisted as a finalist to the "Tree of the year" 2020 competition. The tree was selected among 35 finalist applications.

The online voting is open. Get involved and vote. Online voting runs till 1st December. The results are announced the following day.

Metrosideros can grow up to 20 metres high, with a spreading dome-like form. It is one of the gems at Porto Botanical Garden, at the iconic garden of the Bronze Boy. It is worth mentioning that this very same garden was the childhood garden of the poet and writer Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen.

The benefits that mature trees bring to urban landscapes, as well as trees in general, are widely acknowledged in Porto: the provision of a distinct microclimate, with increased soil nutrients, plant species richness and increasing habitat connectivity. In addition to these biological functions, large trees are also important socially, culturally, and aesthetically.

Moreover, Metrosideros cloak the Botanical Garden with natural and exceptional bioenergies, promoting relaxation and serenity.

Also this year, the renovation project of the Botanical Garden of Porto - Natural History Museum and the Science of the University of Porto (MHNC-UP) was one of the winners in the category "Parks and Gardens" of the International Architecture Awards 2019, the largest and oldest annual public celebration of architecture at global level.