The aroma saxatile, often called "saxatile," is an evergreen tree renowned for its spicy, salty roots that thrive in rocky, exposed landscapes where few other trees survive.

Etymology

From Latin arōma ("spice, fragrance, odor") + saxatilis ("of or pertaining to rocks”).

Morphology

The aroma saxatile is an evergreen tree that grows up to 30 meters tall, with dark grayish-brown bark and lance-shaped leaves densely clustered along its branches. In late summer, peach-colored, bell-shaped flowers bloom for two weeks. Its thick, aromatic roots penetrate rocky soils.

Physiology

Roots are spicy, salty, and aromatic.

Behavior

Life Cycle

It can live for over a century. Wind-pollinated flowers develop into small, rare, spherical fruits.

Ecology

Seeds dispersed by weathering germinate in crevices, sustained by the tree's resilient roots.