Lo Parot

Lo Parot is a monumental olive tree in Horta de Sant Joan reaching about 8 meters in height with a trunk circumference of roughly 7.45 meters measured 1.3 meters from the ground. It stands within an olive-growing region and displays the character typical of ancient trees in this southern landscape.

This ancient tree stands near a former Roman road, with scientific analysis suggesting it is approximately one thousand years old. Its age makes it a living record of the cultural heritage of this southern region.

The name Lo Parot comes from local tradition and may derive from a word meaning father, as residents regard it as the father of all olive trees. This reverence reflects how the place holds special meaning in the community's identity.

The tree is accessible from the T-334 road heading toward Bot and Gandesa, turning right after roughly 500 meters onto a path through olive groves. The route passes through the typical landscape of the area and is easily reached on foot.

This tree produces olives of a distinct genetic variety with longer leaves and fruits compared to the common empeltre type found in the Terra Alta region. These botanical differences make it a valuable subject for researchers studying olive diversity.