2009-07-17 SOS for the 600-years old Terebinth at Limnatis village.

One of the oldest trees of Cyprus is suffering a slow death after the surface over its root system has been paved with stone, a pressure group claims, calling on the Forestry Department to rush to the rescue. The Ancient Trees Protection Group (OPADE) has raised the alarm over the 600-year old Terebinth of Limnatis village near Limassol, after it has shown intense signs of withering.
Group spokesman Michalis Onisiforou said they already had a response from the Forestry Department, who are planning to visit the tree soon in an effort to revive it. Although declared a natural monument and protected by a government decree, the Terebinth, going by the scientific name of Pistacia Atlantica, was put under unnecessary strain.
According to Onisiforou, during restoration work on the nearby chapel of Ayios Mamas in 2002, part of the tree’s root system was removed, while the remaining had been covered by paved stone in a drive to create a small square. Gradually, the tree began to show signs of fatigue and its trunk was exposed to diseases causing decay.
Under new community chairman Christakis Chysostomou, efforts were made in 2007 to save the tree by removing part of the pavement and placing a grid in order to allow for the ventilation of the root system. But a lot of damage had already been done and the tree requires expert care if it is to survive at all.
Onisiforou called on the House Agricultural Committee jointly with the Forestry Department to introduce a legislative proposal prohibiting the laying of pavement within a 10m radius of ancient trees.
Terebinth trees are the most ancient in Cyprus with one at Apesia village, also in Limassol district, dating to 1,500 years, making it one of the world’s oldest. The seeds of the Terebinth are eatable and are still being used in making Terebinth pies, while the oil produced from them is one of the best.

"CYPRUS WEEKLY", 2009-07-17/23