The tree is a Quercus pubescens - downy oak - coming from the Maquis shrubland. It represents a core-component of the Mediterranean identity in the Appennines chain. The tree is set in Fonte Colombo (Rieti). This area is famous for being the geographical centre of Italy and for its belonging to the Sacred Valley, place of pray of Saint Francis, Patron of ecology. Francis used to pray very close to this tree. Between sky and earth, the tree grasps the rocks with a strong will to survive over the time and over the incredulous walkers and pilgrims.