Lifemates
In addition to being an object of admiration, trees are for many people in Fortín a mirror where they can look at themselves through the years: they reflect their life experiences and their loved ones.
ReadFicus (2021-04-30) by Mark QuijanoColectivo Rokunin
About the train and electric cables
This fig tree (Ficus sp) is home to many other species, a hiding place for palm trees, a witness to urban growth and the history of the railroad. It long hosted crossings dedicated to the victims when the train destroyed a bus right at their feet.
From its privileged stature, above the electric cables, it monitors the comings and goings of the city's inhabitants, who have successfully fought to prevent its felling in the layout of new streets.
Yellow surprise (2021-03-06) by Lenin Suriano (fotógrafo) and Gina Lorena de la Vequia Sampieri (participante)Colectivo Rokunin
Deep bond
The life cycles of this spring (Tabebuia donnell-smithii), neighbor of the giant fig tree, recall the deep bond between humanity and all living beings: it grows over time, adapts to the environment with strength, it thrives even in the hostile environment urban.
Past of roots, present of leaves and future of shoots
It offers generous shade of yellow flowers for a few weeks each year. Although the beauty of this tree also suffers at times, tired by the adversity of the climate. It brings the past in its roots, the present in its leaves and the future in its offspring.
A species native to tropical America, it is found from Mexico to Ecuador, and its striking yellow blossoms appear with the arrival of spring. The bark is used to treat rheumatism, arthritis, cancer, infections, inflammation, and ulcers.
Grandfather Ceiba
Thanks to this Ceiba pentandra, a girl came to understand that the times of trees are long. After that, she couldn't help but see her grandfather in it—both aged yet fresh and green; hollowed within, yet anchored by strong roots; homes to other lives.
In the middle of the courtyard lives a giant (2021-03-29) by Heriberto Carrión (fotógrafo) and Estefanía Yiarael Zilli Rodríguez (participante)Colectivo Rokunin
This genus is distinguished by its impressive height (40 meters or more), its longevity (60 years or longer), and its adaptability. Its impact on the ecosystem includes soil restoration and the contribution of organic matter.
Its trunk is up to 3 m wide and has no low branches. Its growth is rapid, forming a broad, abundant and deciduous canopy. The trunk is straight, cylindrical and smooth. Conical thorns 1 to 1.5 cm long are seen when the tree is young.
Nostalgia for clean water
It is the poplar (Populus sp) of nostalgia. Those who know the place well remember that years ago the water came down clean at their feet & fine sand stretched out under its shade. It was the perfect place to cool off in the Metlac River on lazy days. But that's no longer true.
Today almost nobody comes down
Today almost no one goes down to this part of the riverbank, and even less to spend long hours as before. The pollution killed those good times, although the beauty of the poplar remains.
The branches will grow once more (2021-03-29) by Luis Díaz Barriga (fotógrafo) and Familia Núñez Delgado (participante)Colectivo Rokunin
More wealth than life
As with people, the essence and richness of a tree can be much longer than its own life. This Indian tulip (Spathodea campanulata P. Beauv) withstood the onslaught of winds and storms, but ended up succumbing to a plague.
It’s an exotic species native to Africa. Although it is considered a high-risk invasive species for local biodiversity, it is widely used for ornamental purposes—hence its broad distribution.
Woodpecker house (2021-03-29) by Heriberto Carrión (fotógrafo) and Familia Núñez Delgado (participante)Colectivo Rokunin
No leaves grow, but love does
Today the lifeless trunk of the tulip receives bromelias, squirrels and all kinds of colorful birds, such as the woodpecker. Also the attentive glances of the neighbors. Its leaves no longer grow, but the love and admiration of the people who live with it do.
This is one of six online exhibitions resulting from Colectivo Rokunin's Trees 2021 Project. With an open call in the central area of Veracruz, citizens were invited to share important trees in their lives. Thanks to the involvement of more than 80 people (almost 60 participants, in addition to the jury, photographers, designers and artists) these testimonies of the powerful bond that unite humans and trees took shape.
Lifemates Trees
Project, Colectivo Rokunin 2021, Veracruz, Mexico.
Text: Teresa Morte
Research: Norma Falcón and Itzel Mendoza
Style correction: Alejandra Mendoza
Design: Roberto González, Alejandra Mendoza and Teresa Morte
Illustrations: Mark Quijano
Photographs: Heriberto Carrión, José Gabriel Molina, Lenin Suriano Moreno and Luis Díaz Barriga
License: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
