El roble - the colombian oak
When we think of oaks, we normally associate these trees with the temperate zones of Europe, North America or Asia. But after the formation of a land bridge between North and South America about three million years ago, oaks had the opportunity to move southward.
One species of oak, Quercus humboldtii, was able to penetrate into South America and successfully adapt to the tropical conditions of the mountains of northern South America. Despite not having spread far across the continent, this oak has become one of the dominant trees in the highlands of northern South America at altitudes between 1000m and 3000m.
Quercus humboldtii is a true oak with all the typical characteristics of a real oak, but because the northern Andes are located in the tropics there are no seasons, and the Colombian oak doesn't need to shed all its leaves at the same time as a strategy to survive harsh winter conditions.
One species of oak, Quercus humboldtii, was able to penetrate into South America and successfully adapt to the tropical conditions of the mountains of northern South America. Despite not having spread far across the continent, this oak has become one of the dominant trees in the highlands of northern South America at altitudes between 1000m and 3000m.
Quercus humboldtii is a true oak with all the typical characteristics of a real oak, but because the northern Andes are located in the tropics there are no seasons, and the Colombian oak doesn't need to shed all its leaves at the same time as a strategy to survive harsh winter conditions.
Most foreigners that come here are not even aware that a real oak lives in the mountains of Colombia. The Colombian oak is endemic to northern South America, and the only oak that has evolved into a true tropical species. Forests dominated by Quercus humboldtii harbor an incredible diversity of live but unfortunately, large oak forests have become very rare due to deforestation. Around Villa de Leyva, however, one can still find beautiful oak forests.
the roble-Monument in arcabuco
Arcabuco is a small town north of Villa de Leyva on the Pan American Highway. Its surrounded by steep mountains and oak forests. To honor the oak tree, the people of Arcabuco
erected this monument in the main square. To really appreciate all the little details you have to see it for yourself.
erected this monument in the main square. To really appreciate all the little details you have to see it for yourself.
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