Wild fig trees and their relevance to urban history

ABSTRACT

This article discusses the role of the so-called “figueiras-bravas” [wild fig trees], which are native species in tropical and subtropical forests, that were usually seeded or spontaneously grew all over the territory. Under their huge canopies, these trees provided spaces of sociability for many urban sites in the 19th Century in Brazil, a phenomenon that dates back to the Colonial era. They were also remarkable landmarks, which often influenced the shape of many Brazilian urban spaces. This article focuses on three cases from the state of São Paulo: first, the case of the city of Lorena, located in the region known as Vale do Paraíba, is presented to understand the contribution of these trees in the construction of its urban memory. In that city, at least four relevant public areas formed from sites were a fig tree existed were identified. Then, two cases of the city of São Paulo will be discussed: the wild fig tree that once existed in Marquesa de Santos’ estate farm, located in the D. Pedro II park, formerly known as Várzea do Carmo, and the wild fig tree known as “Árvore das Lágrimas” [tear tree], which still exists at the Ipiranga neighborhood.

KEYWORDS:
São Paulo; Urbanization; Landscape heritage; Fig trees; Várzea do Carmo; Ipiranga