La palmera, elemento identitario en el paisaje de huerta del Bajo Segura

Abstract

The palm tree, because of its numerous uses (agricultural, constructive, ritual and industrial), has been traditionally an identity-defining element in the landscape of the Bajo Segura irrigated area (SE of Spain). In recent decades, its presence has been limited, by the loss of functions that palm tree previously carried out, currently joined to the red palm weevil pest (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) and the massive sale with ornamental purposes in the new built-up areas emerged from residential tourism boom. This article deals with the presence of the Palm in the territory from several views and in different times: the aesthetic of travel literature, the productive of scientific reports or the emotional of artistic works.