An ethnobotanical journey on the way to Poyo Castle

The approved route SL-CV-176, which starts from the picturesque hamlet of El Collado towards the Castillo del Poyo (Alpuente), holds fascinating secrets along its path. Beyond delving into a past of territorial battles and guiding us towards historical vestiges that still dominate from the top of the hill, this trail invites us to discover a living and fascinating heritage: ethnobotany.

Since time immemorial, the plant kingdom has been an indispensable ally in our daily lives through ointments, infusions, and natural remedies. Along the way, following the white and green markings of this route parallel to the ravine, we can identify numerous traditional plants and learn about the folk knowledge associated with them.

A walk among riparian forests and autumn fruits

The route begins next to the village washhouse, where the riparian forest vegetation takes center stage. Black and white poplars stand out, as well as willows or sargas (Salix alba, Salix atrocinerea, Salix purpurea). In Alpuente, their tenderest shoots—the osiers—were used to weave baskets and utensils. Furthermore, the willow is famous for containing acetylsalicylic acid, the active ingredient and precursor to aspirin.

During autumn, the trail is filled with color. It is easy to spot the hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), whose small, fleshy red fruits resemble miniature apples with a sweet taste. Its white flowers were once used to soothe anxiety.

Among the walnut trees, we find nuts loaded with tannins and walnut stain—whose oil was used for dyeing and treating burns—, although it is worth remembering that when green, they are astringent and toxic. The rosehip or wild rose (Rosa canina) also abounds, very rich in vitamin C and perfect in infusions, in addition to flowers like chicory, famous for having served as a coffee substitute in times of scarcity.

Aromatic, medicinal, and magical plants

As we gain altitude, the route offers an aromatic mosaic: rosemary, thymes (Thymus spp.), spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia), and hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis). Alongside them live powerful digestive and anti-inflammatory medicinal plants such as rock tea (Jasonia glutinosa), mountain pennyroyal, and ironwort (Sideritis spp.). The prickly juniper or miera (Juniperus oxycedrus) also goes unnoticed, whose dense, tarry oil was used by locals to "mierar" and protect their livestock.

In the middle section, species wrapped in myths and popular traditions appear: rue (Ruta angustifolia), which was hung on doors to ward off the evil eye, and St. John's wort, known for its healing and antidepressant virtues. If the visit coincides with spring, the damp grasslands are adorned with beautiful orchids of the Ophrys genus.

The final stretch towards the summit

As we approach the castle, the landscape transforms with masses of pines, holm oaks (Quercus ilex), junipers, blackthorns, and kermes oaks. Finally, at the very top of the castle and sheltered among the rock, small rupicolous ferns grow, such as maidenhair spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes) or rustyback fern (Ceterach officinarum), true descendants of the Jurassic era.

Walking the SL-CV-176 is connecting with history, the landscape, and popular wisdom. However, if you decide to explore its plants: enjoy them with your eyes and remember that in traditional botany, caution with dosages is always the key. Have a great trip!