At Ghisonaccia - on the spot known as Gattone ? stands the mastic tree that has been classified « remarkable tree » since the 1990?s. It was awarded this classification due to its age, as it is estimated that it is between 700 and 1000years old, and due to its rarity, as only about 50 individual examples remain in the entire Mediterranean basin (source: L.Schmidt « Vegetation in the Mediterranean. 2008 »), and finally due to its position, it has taken root on an ancient Roman ruin. This tree is also unusual as it has a micro-climate of its own, extremely cool in high summer, and it provides an important symbol for the local people, symbolising security and serenity. The tree was discovered by someone who was just as remarkable as the tree itself, Elise Inversin, who was aware of its value and safeguarded it from numerous perils. She is also an important person is the Ghisonacciais community. You are sure to get the opportunity to see it during your visit. (This mastic tree was voted Tree of the Year 2011, during the 1st edition of a contest of this kind in France, organised by the magazine Terre Sauvage, in close collaboration with the National Forestry Office.) To visit the mastic tree : From the Ghisonaccia crossroads at the centre of the village: - take the Ghisoni road, the D344 to the right for 2km , take the left turn just after the road to the Aeroclub (A sign reading " U Listincu" Will indicate the direction to take), at the first intersection, turn right and then, 2km approx. further on, Take the left turn when you reach a large boundary stone. The venerable tree is 300 metres away, close to a ruin and is surrounded by a fence. A small gate will provide access. Alternative route, recommended for a short walk through the groves of orange trees, hazels, olive groves, fields of snow daisies? Take the small road to the left of the church of Saint Michel, walk on for about 4km, at the large boundary stone, turn right and the mastic tree is 300 metres away.
