Flowering of the Tree of Love
April arrives and with it the flowering of the Cercis siliquastrum, popularly known as 'Tree of Love'. It is so named because of the pink and violet color of its flowers and the heart-shaped leaf.
It is also known as Judas tree because according to legend Judas Iscariot committed suicide in one of these trees. Another of its names is the crazy carob tree because of the asymmetry with which its branches grow, although the tree of love is still the most popular.
The most beautiful thing about this tree is undoubtedly its flowering, which lasts about 10 days and makes a particular area of Bullas dress with pink and violet flowers that fill with color any corner where it is.
Where can it be viewed?
Although it is an increasingly common tree, the exact spot to enjoy this gift that nature offers us is in the part of the Northwest Greenway that runs through the municipality of Bullas, at the height of the vineyards of Carrascalejo.
A few meters away, immersed among trees, the Cristo del Carrascalejo is venerated, so called because of the place where it is located.
This Crucified Christ rises on a pedestal in an enclosure surrounded by a small gate that invites to meditation and prayer in the middle of nature. It is a place of great devotion as shown by the number of votive offerings placed at the feet of the image by the many visitors who come there.
Also, very close by is the Rambla or Barranco de la Regidora, a natural area of high ecological value, which is part of the Quípar river basin. It is a place of incomparable beauty because it has a lush riparian forest in which several protected species such as oak and gall oak stand out. This place has the typical Mediterranean characteristics. Here, the fauna finds shelter, refuge and food during all seasons of the year. Among the pine undergrowth and riverside thickets, birds such as robins and nightingales can be seen. But also other vertebrates such as squirrels, badgers, wild boars; reptiles such as the accelerated lizard, the collared snake and amphibians such as the racer toad.
The wadi is conditioned for the practice of hiking or cycling, which can be done with friends or family, through the interesting interpretive trail that runs through it.
It is a nice itinerary to do at any time of the year, but it is better in spring if you want to see the tree of love in bloom. And if you are lucky enough to have water in the Rambla, you can enjoy nature with all your senses.
This interesting route can be done in parts or complete. How? Well, starting from the Barranco de la Regidora, in a circular direction, you reach the Northwest Greenway that connects Bullas with Cehegín. And, from there, you reach the 'Paseo del Árbol del Amor', ending the route at the Cristo del Carrascalejo. The entire route lasts approximately 3 hours, so comfortable clothes and footwear and plenty of water are recommended. And remember that nature is not a garbage dump and what you bring with you ... take it back!
