The 680-ton ancient tamarind tree was moved closer to the riverbank to make way for two high-rise apartment buildings.
The tamarind tree was moved to a location 15 meters away from its original location. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The ancient tamarind tree has survived 100 years of harsh weather, floods and storms. But some residents fear the famous tree may not survive its latest challenge: a 15-meter journey closer to the New River to make way for two skyscrapers.
A year ago, the 680-ton tamarind tree was lifted into the air, roots included, as construction crews prepared to break ground on the $500 million project. The tree was moved closer to water, but not to its final destination. For nearly a year, the tamarind sat on a grassy slope nearly 6 feet above ground, awaiting the construction of a new breakwater. At the time, contractor Asi Cymbal said the collapsing breakwater needed to be replaced to adequately support the tree. Work on the new breakwater began a few months ago and is now complete.
Last week, the tamarind tree was moved to a new home about 15 feet from the water's edge. "The tamarind tree was preserved and relocated to a new home along the river in downtown Fort Lauderdale. We are pleased to report that the preservation process was successful and the tamarind tree is doing very well," Cymbal said.
This is no ordinary tamarisk. The Florida Department of Forestry declared it a “Florida Champion” in 1982, recognizing it as the largest tree of its kind in the state. Likely the largest in the United States, the giant tree stands 80 feet tall and has a lush canopy that covers 130 feet. In an effort to protect the prized tree, city leaders designated it a protected species in 1987, requiring a permit before it can be removed or cut down. Cymbal was granted permission to remove the tree after agreeing to pay the city $1 million if it died within five years of removal.
Derrel Thompson, a resident near the tree, said Cymbal may have to pay. "The tamarind tree is not the same anymore. It's still alive, but it's not lush and it never recovered from the removal. When they lifted it, they broke too many roots," said Asi Cymbal.
Fort Lauderdale activist Ted Inserra checks on the tamarisk tree almost every day on his way to work. “With all the construction going on around here, they’re going to have to drill piles for the foundation. The tree’s going to be subjected to all the vibrations under the ground. We don’t know if the root system can handle that,” Inserra said.
An Khang (According to Phys.org )
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