The Gospinal oak is a pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) classified as a Natural Monument in 1987.
This tree was originally felled as a single trunk in the mid 18th century. Thereafter, 7 shoots formed, which grew together to form a single stem base.
This is quite unusual with more than 3 strains and should be regarded as a botanical specialty. Such trees rarely reach such a high age.
After more than 300 years, this oak is now reaching the end of its life. Some trunks are already dead or missing. You can't blame the tree; after all, it existed before the birth of Napoleon and before the birth of Belgium and survived two world wars!
Before the French Revolution, the oak served as a place of justice for forest offences.
This explains the seven tribes: the number corresponded to the 7 judges who spoke in the forest clearing under the presidency of a magister forestarius forest law. As 7 forest men, who exercised the > (Forest and Water Law) in practice.
Other places in the border area bear similar designations and refer to their former role as court places. For example, the now-vanished "Dicke Eiche" in Membach or the crossing > (7 Eichen) between Hill and Soor, on the way from Eupen in Hohe Venn.
Incidentally, in September 1904, a final legally binding decision was made at this point by the Jalhay and Solwaster councils. At this, the course of the current road connection between the communities via Gospinal was determined in the presence of the foresters.
Source: information board