Kew successfully builds huarango nurseries in Peru and the UK, raising several thousand seedlings

Kew's project dedicated to supporting huarango plants in the wild is thriving with partners across the world

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huarango tree with cows sheltered underneath

Huarango trees prevent land turning into deserts (Image: Oliver Whaley, RBG Kew)

Deep roots

The longest roots of any tree belong to the huarango (pronounced 'wa-RAN-go') and its relatives. Huarango forests pull up water that is then used by other plants; they prevent the land from turning into desert, and shelter animals and people from the blazing sun.

Kew has several projects protecting this important plant in the wild. With partners in Peru and the UK, we have built plant nurseries dedicated to native species, which have raised several thousand huarango seedlings. Where huarango forests have been lost to the desert we have replanted over 2,000 trees.

We are also monitoring other plants, birds and insects as the area rebuilds itself. A 500-hectare reserve has also been established and a second awaits government approval.

Huarango festival

Kew's Oliver Whaley says: “Kew doesn’t just plant trees. Sometimes it’s time to hold a party! We set up ‘Il Festival del Huarango’ in 2007 - over 3,500 people came! We awarded prizes at the festival for the best cared-for tree, best poems and best drawings of huarango. The government have just made it an official annual event, with music, theatre, storytelling, and foods all derived from the huarango tree.”

It’s important to get the next generations caring for their huarangos too. Together with Trees for Cities and ANIA (Association for Children and their Environment) Kew has helped 14 schools and five community groups grow new huarango trees in the shelter of their walled grounds.