In the garden of the Franciscan Brothers, in the vicinity of the monastery wall, a rather small,inconspicuous tree is growing.The legend says the well-being of Wieliczka depends on the condition it is in. It belongs to a rare in Poland stenothermal species the seeds of which – according to a legend – have been brought to the salt town by one of the Franciscan Brothers from the Holy Land one hundred years ago.

Yesterday a large, three metres high Honey locust tree has been planted in the monastery garden in reference to the “Legendary Jerusalem Tree”.

Mayor of Wieliczka, Artur Kozioł, was the initiator of the undertaking, while the patronage over the event has been taken by Brother Maurycy Kołacz – the many years’ guardian of the Franciscan garden.

The event was attended by Father Zbigniew Gerle,the parson of the St.Francis of Assissi church, Father Remigiusz Balcerak and the vice-mayor Henryk Gawor.

The Honey locust tree is an extremely original, rarely encountered in Poland species of a park tree, extremely thorny. The oldest tree of such a kind in Wieliczka is the “Legendary Jerusalem Tree”, which during the period of over one hundred year has become a significant symbol for the residents of Wieliczka.

The tradition is to be continued by the young tree, planted yesterday.

Stefan Kisielowski, a Wieliczka-based dendrologist, present at the planting ceremony, spoke to the guests and the Franciscan High School youth about the specifics of this kind of tree species and gave advices concerning caring for it.

Now we have to wait patiently and observe how the Jerusalem Tree develops and becomes a part of history and tradition of our town.