El único Panamá - Week 8

Welcome to our weekly series about the uniqueness of Panama!

Living Fences - they are everywhere - I know you have seen them!

The word 'fence' has its origin in the XIV Century and comes from the word fens - a short term for protection and defense. A fence separates and surrounds serving as a barrier or boundary. Fences emerged from the notions of agriculture, property and family and serves a visual declaration of ownership. It represents a major investment for a small farm with installation, repairs and upkeep.

As compared to the standard "dead" fence a 'living" fence has many ecological and economic benefits aside from their obvious uses.

It is aesthetically pleasing, can assist in boosting crop yields, generate animal forage and increase soil fertility. It is not bothered by termites, dry rot and other insects and usually grows quickly in the tropical weather.

As you are traveling through Panama look around. It is almost like someone put a stick in the the ground and 'ta dah' a tree is growing!