8 heritage trees tell stories of natural history

(NLDO) - Of the 8 trees recognized as heritage trees at the Zoo, the Rosewood tree is the oldest at over 200 years old.

On the morning of December 29, Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden coordinated with the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment to organize a ceremony to present the decision to recognize the Vietnam Heritage Tree.

This event not only marks the long-standing natural and cultural values ​​of rare plants at the Zoo but also affirms Ho Chi Minh City's efforts in preserving and promoting natural heritage, spreading the message of loving nature and protecting the environment to the community.

Speaking to Nguoi Lao Dong newspaper, Ms. Nguyen Thi Be Na, Deputy Director of the Zoo and Botanical Plant Enterprise, said that the heritage trees at the Zoo and Botanical Garden that were granted the decision include many trees that are hundreds of years old. Among them, the Xà au tree (Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A. Juss.), belonging to the Xoan family, code 1700, is the "mother" tree of the xà au tree species in Vietnam. The tree is over 160 years old, with a trunk circumference of 12.3m and a towering height of 60m. Xà au trees are valuable in providing wood for building boats, wooden furniture, and leaves are used as medicine to treat scabies and fever.

The ceremony to award the decision to recognize the Vietnam Heritage Tree was organized by Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden in coordination with the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment.

According to Ms. Na, among the 8 trees recognized as heritage trees at the Zoo, the Rosewood tree is the oldest, over 200 years old. According to recorded documents, these are relic trees of the tropical forests of the Southeast in the past. The large-fruited Rosewood tree (Pterocarpus macrocarpus Kurz), belonging to the Bean family, code 1302, is also recognized as a heritage tree of Vietnam, about 34m tall.

Rosewood is classified as endangered (EN) in the Vietnam Red Book. This is a precious tree species with high quality, durable, fragrant wood, often used in the production of high-end handicrafts.

Also classified as a heritage tree is the Tung tree (Tetrameles nudiflora R.Br.), belonging to the Tung family, code 1188 with a lifespan of about 200 years, about 35m high.

Accordingly, this is a species with a unique genetic source. Tung wood is soft, used in construction and manufacturing household items. The bark has laxative, diuretic, blood purifying, and choleretic effects.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Be Na affirmed that the recognition of 8 trees at the Zoo as Vietnamese heritage trees not only has a special meaning for the Zoo but also contributes to affirming the long-standing cultural values ​​of Ho Chi Minh City. "This event shows that the city not only cares about preserving nature but also conveys the message of loving the environment, preserving sustainable values ​​for future generations" - Ms. Na shared.

Associate Professor, Dr. Phung Chi Si, Vice President of the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment, said the criteria for recognizing Vietnamese heritage trees include three main factors. First, the tree must be over 200 years old. Second, the heritage tree must have value in terms of gene conservation, environmental protection and must be a rare species. Third, the tree must have a close connection with the activities and lives of the people, contributing to the cultural development and livelihood of the community.

The recognition of heritage trees is not only a recognition of their natural value but also aims to raise public awareness of environmental protection and natural heritage. These trees will become symbols of conservation and sustainable development of the ecosystem at Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Visitors can visit and take photos with the heritage trees, contributing to spreading the love of nature, protecting the landscape and living environment.

Some pictures at the Zoo on the morning of December 29:

The Xà Châu tree (Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A. Juss.), belonging to the Xoan family, code 1700, is the "mother" tree of the Xà Châu tree in Vietnam.

The Acacia tree is valuable in providing wood for building boats and furniture, and its leaves are used as medicine to treat scabies and fever.

The large-fruited Pterocarpus macrocarpus Kurz, legume family, code 1302, is also recognized as a Vietnamese heritage tree.

Tung tree (Tetrameles nudiflora R.Br.), belonging to the Tung family, code 1188 with a lifespan of about 200 years, about 35m high is one of the recognized heritage trees.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/thao-cam-vien-8-cay-di-san-ke-chuyen-lich-su-thien-nhien-196241229133327739.htm