Brera Botanical Garden
Via Brera 28 – Via privata F.lli Gabba 10
Brera Botanical Garden has its first Monumental Tree!
The Caucasian wingnut (Pterocarya fraxinifolia (Poir.) Spach) standing out in the historical arboretum, has just been recognized in the national list of the monumental trees, according to the Italian Law 14th January 2013, n. 10.
It is an acknowledgement that arrives in the year of the celebrations of the 250th anniversary of Brera Botanical Garden as a scientific institution, that supports our everyday work of the Garden heritage conservation.
The status of Monumental Tree is granted after a process defined by law that evaluates the exceptional dimensions, the botanical rarity, the landscape and the cultural-historical value of the tree. This status guarantees the tree a special protection, similar to the one dedicated to all the other cultural heritage, i.e. historical-artistic and architectural masterpieces or archaeological objects.
On 11th February 2025, the plate of the wingnut was unveiled with a ceremony in the presence of General B. Benito Castiglia (Commander of Regione Carabinieri Forestale “Lombardia”), professor Martin Kater (Delegate of the Rectrix for the museums and the botanical gardens of the University of Milan and President of Functional Center of the Brera Botanical Garden Museum and Herbarium-University of Milan), Gianluca Comazzi (Councillor for Territory and Green Systems of Regione Lombardia), Elena Grandi (Councillor for Environment and Greenery of Comune di Milano) and Antonella Testa (Director of Functional Center of the Brera Botanical Garden Museum and Herbarium-University of Milan).
According to the latest census (2024) Italy recognizes over 4 thousand monumental trees. 431 of them are in Lombardy. In Milan they are currently 22, including the Caucasian wingnut of the Brera Botanical Garden.
The Caucasian wingnut in autumn
Caucasian wingnut leaves
The Caucasian wingnut in winter
