This is where you will be discovering
the Eastern side of the Tervuren Arboretum. The groups of trees are all native
to Europe or Asia. For those from the Americas, see the Guided
Tour (The New World).
The Old World collections are laid
out in heterogeneous fashion. Such variety does not make for the easiest of
visits. It could be said that there are roughly three types of the groups.
The first type represents groups
segregated from one another, scattered among the beech grove. Some will even
go completely unnoticed by walkers. Aside from being difficult to access, these
groups suffer the added disadvantage of not offering sufficient distance to
allow the visitor to step back and admire the tree or the clump of trees in
its entirety.
The second type is reminiscent of
the layout used in the New World. Extensive glades surround the various woods.
These groups are simply magnificent.
The third and final type forms clumps of trees lining the main “Kapucijnendreef”, “Hertedreef” and “Wolvenweg” pathways. The Japanese groups are to be found amongst these.
The segregated groups
Some of these groups are of only
relative interest (very few in number and inaccessible). Worth mentioning, however,
is group 28a in which prevail the Laricio Pine and the Chestnut
– emblematic trees from Corsica. Along the edge of the Arboretum, close
to the Sneppenlaan, group 21 houses a splendid plantation of Sudetan larches
of attractive autumnal colours but only the most persevering visitors will succeed
in discovering these.
Groups 27 (Greece), 29
(Andalusia) and 30 (Kabylie) complete this category. Despite the presence
of species of interest, these groups can appear to be in an, at times, deplorable
state of abandon.
The glades
The highlight of a visit to the Old World. If you were to make a loop, by way
of the glades, around the wood made up of groups 26, 32, 33 and 34, you will
come across some glorious views. With trees upon trees down both sides, you
will be spoilt for choice. Among the specimens to be found are:
The Lebanese Cedar (Cedrus Libani). A mythical tree, and the emblem of the Lebanon where it is now practically inexistant. Its wood was allegedly used in the construction of Solomon’s temple. This Cedar can live to 1000 years and some fine specimens are growing along the edge of group 31. The egg-shaped cones are very characteristic. The cedar branches out in a complex manner and often its upper branches spread out horizontally. Its cousin, the Atlas Cedar (Cedrus Atlantica) can also be found in group 30.
The Black Austrian Pine (Pinus
Nigra). This tall tree is extremely common across the whole of Europe.
It takes its name from the dark colour of its needles. Much used in forestry,
it includes several sub-species such as the previously mentioned Laricio
Pine. The Black Austrian Pine was used as the basis for numerous reforestation
operations of which the National Forest of Mont Ventoux is a prime example
(the Pinus Nigra takes over from the Atlas Cedar above an altitude of
1100 metres). A fine group of these can be seen in group 31.
The Forest Pine
(Pinus Sylvestris). Again, a very common in tree in Europe. This is the
much-vaunted “red” pine so widely used in mass-produced furniture.
This tree is easily recognisable by its light-coloured bark which is a rusty
brown at the base, turning to orange towards the top of the tree. You will
come across several of these during your walk.
The European Hornbeam
(Carpinus Betulus).
This can also be found virtually everywhere in this
part of the Arboretum. It can reach a height of some 30 metres and often
forms a sub-tier of the oak groves. Its leaves have prominent veins and
are extremely dentate. With its true to type, immediately recognisable
catkins, this is a truly attractive tree.
The Chinese Catalpa (Catalpa Ovata). To the East
of group 37a, this small, rather discreet tree has distinctive peculiar
long pods (panicules) among its foliage. It is to these that it owes its
nickname of the Bean Tree. Its large, light green leaves are
heart-shaped.
The
Metasequoia (Metasequoia Glyptostroboides).
Until recently, this tree was known only in a fossilised state. Very much
living specimens were finally discovered in China after World War II. The
specimen that can be seen in group 37 is not easy to find as a neighbouring
magnolia hides it from view. It has a peculiar trunk.
The
Japanese Magnolia
(Magnolia Denudata). A neighbour of the previously mentioned tree (group
37), this magnolia features peculiar fruit and, of course, beautiful foliage.
If you visit the New World, you will be able to compare its leaves with
those of its American fellow (Magnolia Acuminata) to be found in group 15
(the leaves of the latter are huge !).
The Himalayan
Pine (Pinus Wallichiana)
A splendid, slightly tilted, specimen stands at the tip of group 34. This
tree is native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia. Its needles form
small plumes which sway gently in the slightest breeze. A must see.
Pines, firs, spruces, silver birches, maples and lindens are just some of the
species of tree that you will find along the edges of the wood. Two suggested
itineraries are given in the maps below.
The eastern side of this group is taken up by a small grassy valley that I have nicknamed the “Valley of the Oaks” – an idyllic area which I will describe in more detail further on.
Along the pathways
Groups 37 to 40 are laid out in part along the main avenues (Kapucijnendreef and Wolvenweg). These Asian groups feature a few trees which are somewhat exotic in our eyes. Among them let’s mention:
The Sugi (Cryptomeria Japonica). Of the taxodiaceae family, this tree is slightly reminiscent of the Redwood. In Japan it can reach a height of over 80 metres. Its reddish, ligneous bark provides an attractive contrast to its bright green needles.
The Japanese Cypress
(Chamaecyparis Obtusa). This is found next to the previously mentioned tree in group 39a and is a sacred tree in Japan. Lining the “Kapucijnendreef” cycle track, group 39 affords a homogeneous and particularly “green” sight.
The Japanese groups are also home to several varieties of tsugas (group 38), firs and spruces.
This magical grassland through which
runs a small brook and which is studded with hundred-year old oaks provides
an imposing sight whatever the season.
Making up the boundaries of this area are groups 37 (China), 26 and 32 to the West; the "Kapucijnendreef" to the South and the wooded hill to the East where the "Wolvenweg" moves away.
To the North, three Bald Cypress trees mark the edge of the small valley and herald the presence of the marshlands beyond them where the Voer (the river from which Tervuren takes its name) originates.
The Taxodium Distichum, though,
is a tree belonging to the New World whose presence here could be seen
as strange. Indeed, further specimens grow in group 17 (Tennessee). This
is because this tree is typical of the marshlands of the South-East of
the U.S.A. : the Louisiana bayous etc. (where it is know as the bearded
tree because of the mosses which hang from its branches).
Thus, it is
perfectly natural to come across it here close to the marshes.
But, I digress. So coming back to
our small valley, those few oaks which grow there in isolation have each benefited
from sufficient space to allow them to develop freely. A fascinating result…
The first sets off
from the Ringlaan and allows a full visit of the Old World. Leave the river
on your left and walk up the “Hertedreef” until you have passed
group 31 (located to the left of the path). Turn into the glade on the left
and walk down between groups 31 and 32. Once at the bottom, following a narrowing
of the glade, turn right and walk along the edge of group 32 then, on the right,
take the glade which rises again between groups 26 and 37. At the end of this
glade you will find yourself once more on the Hertedreef which you will follow,
bearing left, until it crosses the Kapucijnendreef at which point turn left.
The pathway leads between groups 39 on the right and 37 on the left. At the
bottom, before the crossing with the “Wolvenweg”, descend to the
left into the glade (the “Valley of the Oaks”) and walk alongside
the brook the length of the glade. A fairly wide path passes to the right of
the marshes – take this path alongside them until you reach the exit of
the Arboretum. You are back to where you started. You might be glad you brought
your Wellingtons! Print
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The second itinerary,
setting off from the Sneppenlaan, is shorter but you will miss out on the groups
in the “Kapucijnendreef”. Go down the “Wolvenweg” alongside
group 38 until you reach the crossing with the “Kapucijnendreef”.
Past the crossing, go right into the glade (Valley of the Oaks). Continue alongside
the edge of group 37 on your left. Turn left between groups 37 and 26. The glade
goes up to the “Hertedreef” which you take on your right and continue
alongside groups 34 and 33 on your right. At the bottom, and past the narrowing
of the glade, turn right again. Walk alongside the brook and cross the small
valley until you are back where you started, i.e. at the “Wolvenweg-Kapucijnendreef”
crossing. Continue up the Wolvenweg until you reach the exit of the Arboretum.
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Clicking on your chosen itinerary will
display the corresponding map.
