The presence of beech (Fagus sylvatica) on the Euganean Hills, the main tree of the montane broadleaf forest found in the Alps between 700 and 1400 meters, is linked to the long glacial cycles that characterized the Quaternary Era (from 1.6 million to 15,000 years ago). The name beech comes from the Greek “phagéin,” meaning to eat, in relation to its edible fruit rich in oil, called “faggiola.”
It is a very long-lived, large tree with a straight trunk, smooth gray bark, and a dense crown. The leaves are arranged in two rows and are simple, oval-shaped with wavy and slightly serrated margins; the flowers are drooping and inconspicuous. It blooms in April and May.
The “great beech,” located along the slope that descends from Mount Fasolo, surrounded by beeches, hornbeams, oaks, and coppiced chestnut, is 18 m tall, and its trunk is noticeably inclined to the west, originating from the fusion of two trunks. The crown features articulated and umbrella-like drooping branches.
On the Euganean Hills, beech is also present on the northern slopes of Mount Venda, Vendevolo, Madonna and Grande, Rua, Ventolone, Ricco, and Cero.
In addition to beech, other “glacial relic” plant species found on the Euganean Hills include birch (Betula pendula), black bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), houseleek (Sempervivum arachnoideum), St. John's lily (Lilium bulbiferum), martagon lily (Lilium martagon), and alpine epimedium (Epimedium alpinum).
Man has always appreciated the qualities of beech wood; it is an excellent fuel and the raw material for making chairs and small tools. In particular, it is ideal for creating handles, so much so that the Venetians used it to make the oars of their boats.
