In the coming months, seeds of the maquilishuat, El Salvador’s National Tree since 1939, will begin to sprout in Germany, Japan, Slovakia, and in U.S. cities like Salt Lake City and San Bernardino. This international planting effort, led by Salvadoran embassies and consulates, celebrates national identity and environmental awareness.
In Berlin, Ambassador Florencia Vilanova de von Oehsen delivered seeds to the Berlin Botanical Garden, one of the world’s leading botanical institutions. “This is a symbol of El Salvador’s commitment to protecting the environment and promoting scientific exchange,” she said. The seeds are now part of the garden’s seed bank, under the care of specialists.
In San Diego, California, the consulate held a community event where maquilishuat seeds were distributed and consular services offered. In Salt Lake City, the consulate planted seeds and a sapling at Alliance Community Services, strengthening cultural ties.
In Japan, the Yumenoshima Tropical Greenhouse Dome in Tokyo is preparing an exhibit about the tree and Salvadoran culture, after receiving maquilishuat seeds. In Slovakia, thanks to the Embassy in Austria and the Honorary Consulate, seeds were planted in the Arboretum Mlyňany.
This effort is part of “El Salvador Renace,” a public diplomacy strategy that promotes national values and symbols abroad.
