The hazelnut is presented in several places in the Park, usually in the area of Segura and in it we will see it. In the high valley of Segura, between Pontones and the Utrera Strike, one of the most extensive hazelnuts of the Park is spread, presenting a good state of conservation, as it has preserved it from the transformation of the area by the human being.

In the recommended area the hazelnut (Corylus avellana) is abundant, forming an extensive plant community, in which we find lanthanes (Viburnum lantana), worlds (Viburnum opulus), vidars (Clematis vitalba), liver, (Hepatia nobilis), parnasias (Parnassia palustres), wild strawberries (Fragaria vesca), orchids (Listera ovata, Dactyliorhiza elata), cardos (Cirsium pyrenaucas and several sagulis (S.), and Sallicola (S.). We also found repopulation choperas with the Populus x canadensis hybrid. This whole set forms a thick and wide forest in gallery, where hazelnut is the protagonist.

For our visit to the hazelnut we choose the head of the Segura River. We will go to Pontones and from there we will take the track that passes to the side of the Segura River, downstream, in the direction of the Masegoso cortijo. We can make it walk or by vehicle, but we will enjoy more of the walk, as it does not reach 5 km to the end.

These semi-arid areas are the result of the gradual degradation of the ancient Mediterranean forest, which with an aridization of the climate has sculpted landscapes whose beauty is only overcome by their hostility and dryness, causing the plants to pass hard tests in order to live in these environments.

This vegetation is called xerophyll, because it lives in dry environments, with precipitation below 300 mm. annual. Among them are species such as albaida (Anthyllis cytisoides), sosas or salsoles (Salsola oppositifolia), salates (Suaeda spp., Hammada articulata), herb of the conjunctures (Ephedra fragilis), garbancers (Ononis fruticosa) and rabbit garbancillo (Ononis tridata). At times there are sabinas (Juniperus phoenicea), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), male rosemary (Cistus clusii), rethemes (Retama sphaerocarpa), tomilos (Thymus zigis), some carrasco pine (Pinus halepensis) and some other lenticus (Pistacia lenticus), reminding us that this vegetation is the result of the destruction of an ancient Mediterranean forest.

But one of the most significant species of these areas is the caparra (Capparis spinosa), a culinary plant that its preparation in vinegar has been known from very old, and is now an essential element in the best European kitchens.

We suggest:

• The best times for this visit are in autumn and early spring.

On this trip we will not spare the car. We will head to Huesa and from there we will take the road of Pozo Alcón and follow it to the crossing that leads us to the village of Ceal. From this village comes a narrow and tortuous road that goes to Hinojares, which passes through a semi-arid area, populated by scavenges (Stypa tenacissima), which in the area has the name of an atocha, so a nochar is a spartal.

By withdrawing the ice, the Azebos undertook a migration to the contrary, reconquering to the north the lost territory, so we can say that all the Azebos of Europe are descendants of ours. So, when we enjoy this forest, let us remember that these stalks are waiting for the next glaciation... so that, after it, Europe will again have stalks.

This forest is accompanied as a vault by a canopy of salgary pines and a tapestry of ferns (Pterydium aquilinum) and herbaceas (Dactylis glomerata, Poa nemoralis, Festuca nevadensis, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Viola kitaibeliana, Bellis perennis, Sanicula europea) and others better known as the wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca), the tears of David or the seal of Solomon (Polygonatum), and the greater (Pallatago (Pallatago).

LOCATION

We take the road that leaves a mile from Siles in the direction of the Azebeas. We follow it until we reach a crossing that comes to our right, is wide and has a barrier and a sign that announces us the public use path of Navalperal. It is only necessary to walk half a mile before reaching the forest house of the Azebeas. Both to our right and to our left is a splendid forest of steels accompanied by hazelnuts.