The town of Málaga has successfully seen the completion of the transplant of the singular ficus as part of the works for the Metro extension, a project driven by the Department of Development and Mobility.
The operation, coordinated between the Junta de Andalucía and the City Council of Málaga, concluded at 06:40 in the morning after a process that began at midnight. The ficus, known as Ficus Lyrata, was moved from the median of Arroyo de los Ángeles Avenue to its new location at the southern roundabout of the La Rosaleda Shopping Centre.
Details of the Transplant
This specimen has a large stature and is in good condition. Its relocation was necessary to continue with the infrastructure of the metro extension, as its presence was incompatible with the development of the works at its previous location.
During the process, heavy cranes and platforms were used to ensure that the ficus was moved in its original size and position. The choice of timing was key to minimizing disruption to traffic in the area.
New Location and Environmental Importance
The new site was chosen for its suitable conditions for the tree's implantation, allowing for the future development of its root system and canopy. Additionally, it is a highly visible location in the urban environment, which helps to highlight this specimen.
The execution of this procedure is considered an exceptional action for the conservation of a tree of high environmental and heritage value in Málaga. Without this transplant, the ficus would have been incompatible with the metro infrastructure works.
Finally, section III of the Málaga Metro extension, which includes a future station called Hospital Civil, spans 510 meters in length and began last July, with the goal of reaching the future Virgen de la Esperanza Hospital.

