This specimen is one of only three plane trees in the entire city that exhibit such a protuberance, which specialists describe as a cancer of unknown origin. Despite its size and central location, most tourists visiting the area do not notice this natural peculiarity, focusing instead on Gaudí's architecture.
“"We have it under control, and it is a very solid lump that does not affect its stability."
According to the head of Barcelona's tree management, the tree's health is not compromised, as plane trees have the ability to compartmentalize the tumor, preventing it from spreading to the rest of the organism. This characteristic leads to external growth, forming a more rigid and hard wood, while internally the tree generates a natural barrier.
The cause of this cancer, which could be viral or bacterial, is unclear, but it is suspected that it may have originated from an external wound, possibly caused by a vehicle impact. La Vanguardia's archives document that the lump was already visible in 2006, before the boulevard's renovation. Currently, it is primarily considered an aesthetic issue, with no treatment permitted in urban gardening.
