Elche incorporates a notable novelty in its historic garden: the Priest's Garden has officially presented three palm trees with several trunks belonging to the species Phoenix dactyliferaThe specimens, named Medusa, Hydra and Poseidon, are characterized by the multiple growth of their trunks from the base or from the same foot, a rarity that provides a notable botanical interest.
These palm trees, whose names give a nod to the Greek mythology, become part of the garden's collection and will accompany the Imperial Palm, emblem of the Elche palm grove. Its incorporation reinforces the objective of protect, enhance and give visibility to unique specimens, contributing to conservation and the dissemination of the plant heritage of the site.
Characteristics of Medusa, Hydra and Poseidon
Hydra stands out for its expansive appearance and the number of trunks: nine arms emerging from the baseIts multi-armed growth is reminiscent of the multi-headed creature of Hellenistic tradition and underlines the regenerative capacity of this species.
Medusa presents a particularly sculptural configuration: six trunks around a central axisThis arrangement gives it a striking and balanced appearance, with a silhouette that is easily recognizable within the garden.
Poseidon, on the other hand, is a palm tree of trident type, robust and rectilinear. Its well-defined triple structure conveys a sober and harmonious presence within the botanical landscape of the Huerto del Cura.
A garden with recognition and diversity
El Priest's Garden It was declared National Artistic Garden in 1943 and is integrated into the Elche palm grove, recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000These awards endorse the garden's preservation, enrichment, and outreach work.
In its facilities coexist almost 1.000 palm trees belonging to more than 85 botanical varieties of the Arecaceae family. Among its icons is the Imperial Palm, known for its unique seven-arm morphology —one of which was lost a long time ago eleven years— and by the tradition that links it to the empress sissi, who is said to have inspired his name during a historic visit.
An emblematic species of the Elche palm grove
The new specimens belong to Phoenix dactylifera, a species common in the palm grove of ElcheIts presence in uncommon formats—multi-arm and trident—provides morphological diversity and helps to make the botanical value visible of individuals with unconventional growth, reinforcing the informative role of the Huerto del Cura.
With the arrival of Medusa, Hydra and Poseidon, the Elche garden adds pieces of great interest to its collection and offers those who visit it a broader view of the variability of Phoenix dactylifera, without losing sight of the conservation and study of a unique plant heritage.
