Pucará de Tilcara
High-altitude settlement of the Tilcaras from the 13th cent., expanded later by the Inca. Best known archaeological site in Northwest Argentina.
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Trichocereus atacamensis, known as "cardón" or "pasacana" is a cactus species characteristic of northwestern Argentina.
Its cylindrical trunk can reach 50 cm in diameter, and up to 15 m in height forming candelabra-like branches, with thorns up to 15 cm long. It is a plant of high longevity, but of slow growth. A 10 m tall cardón can be around 180 years old. It grows on rocky slopes and plains, withstanding extreme conditions of cold and aridity at an altitude between 2,000 and 3,500 meters.
Its structural tissue hardens when it dries, from which is obtained what is known as cardón wood, traditionally used in construction, especially for the beams and roof trusses.
At present, the cardón is a protected species. It is forbidden to cut it, and only the production of handicrafts with fallen or dried specimens is authorized.
© Photos, summary: Binder & Haupt, Universes in Universe
High-altitude settlement of the Tilcaras from the 13th cent., expanded later by the Inca. Best known archaeological site in Northwest Argentina.