Cactus hedges as landmarks in the
Arubian landscape
Cactus hedges are the eye catchers of the
Arubian landscape. These hedges are mostly made of a cactus species (Ritterocereus
griseus). The purpose of these hedges is to demarcate a territory and prevent the
trespassing of people or animals. Their main values are esthetical and
cultural-historical. The traveler can find the esthetical values as an intimate feeling
arises on him, on the small roads fringed by high hedges of cactus. In addition, a
beautiful visage discerns in areas with many hedges as people can see the partition of the
different agricultural plots.
Its planting, maintenance, usage and age set the cultural- historical values of the
hedges. Traditional practices and equipments entangle the planting and maintenance of a
hedge. Usually the traditional cultivator, who uses certain implements to tackle the
cactus stems and to transport them to the hedge in making, makes these hedges. The
implements are necessary since thorns cover the stems of the cactus, and they can be heavy
with water according to the season. The picking of cactus fruits by little children is an
example of the use of these hedges rarely seen nowadays.
One aspect of the cactus hedges often overseen is their biological value. Cactus hedges
consist of living cactus stems closely planted, creating an ideal microclimate for the
germination of seeds of wild plants. Birds, other animals or the rainwater deposits the
seeds at the feet of the hedges. Cactus hedges are attractive to birds and other animals
as they can find refuge, food, nest locations or simple surveying posts. Few people know
that a certain bat species pollinates the cactus flower. Through the years, a
well-established cactus hedge will contain different plant species and many animals, which
are living in and by it. Than such a cactus hedge will also fully perform the role of
communication channel between natural areas.
Cactus hedges nowadays are diminishing on Aruba, due to several factors like urbanization
of the countryside, regression of the primary sector and construction trends. The
department of Agriculture, Husbandry and Fisheries (DLVVM), accentuates the cactus hedges
as their cultural-historic values make them part of the national events celebrated in
March. Undertaking conservational activities will be a necessity because of their
diminishing rate and their biological value. The regression of the primary sector would be
difficult to tackle as a conservational effort since traditional farmers are less common
nowadays. Incorporating existing cactus hedges in building plans is at the other hand one
of several possible solutions.
For more information call
5858102 or email dirlvvm@setarnet.aw
[Information courtesy of Mr. Facundo Franken of the Department of Agriculture, Husbandry and
Fisheries (DLVVM) - Nature Management]
