In Mexico City, an important change is taking place regarding the iconic palm trees that have adorned the capital for over 70 years. The authorities have decided to replace them, as these plants, introduced in the 1940s, are particularly vulnerable to pests and diseases, which has affected their survival.
According to the local Ministry of the Environment, globally, palm trees are facing a rapid decline due to climate change, which favors the spread of pathogens that weaken them and cause their death. In this regard, the government of Mexico City reported that it has removed more than 12,000 palm trees from some boroughs, applying treatments to about 6,000 of them, but many are still deteriorating.
The Environmental Attorney's Office detailed that the most affected palm trees belong to the genus Phoenix, which is predominant in the city and requires specific soil and climate conditions to thrive, being a non-native species. For this reason, they are more susceptible to pests and diseases caused by external agents.
Given this situation, it has been decided to replace 5,000 palm trees in Mexico City with endemic trees from the Valley of Mexico, with the aim of strengthening urban biodiversity and improving ecological connectivity with the city's green areas. This change has already been seen with the planting of ahuehuetes instead of palms, as occurred in a roundabout on Reforma Avenue three years ago.
The ahuehuete planted in that roundabout measures 12 meters in height and is 20 years old. Despite its youth, this species is known for its resistance to cold and its beauty, making it a suitable option for the environment of Mexico City despite being originally from the Canary Islands.
