"Giardino Hanbury" is located on a very
steep slope directly at the shore and houses a few thousand species
of plants, among them a wonderful collection of Cycads (note the
Encephalartos spp.) and many old palms: Syagrus, Brahea armata,
the rare Brahea dulcis, Jubaea chilensis, Phoenix reclinata, and
several species of Sabal, one of them possibly S. mexicana. Chamaerops
humilis is spreading all over the garden. Some other plants to see
are Bananas, Yuccas, many Cacti and Citrus, and a good number of
Australian natives. The garden has been somewhat neglected recently,
but for a few years now has belonged to the University of Genova
and is currently being reconstructed and replanted in many areas.
I feel sure it could house a much greater number of palms; it should
rarely experience any frost.
Well, that brings us right up to the border with
France. The coast road continues west, and there are many other
gardens to investigate on the French side as it passes along the
Cote d'Azur. Join me next time for a continuation of this "Palm
Trip along the Via Aurelia". It is certainly a paradise for
the palm enthusiast.
A Palm Trip along the Via Aurelia
