Story of storms - heritage trees on Song Tu Tay island
(Baonghean.vn) - In the Truong Sa archipelago, there is not only sunshine, wind and storms, but also many phong ba trees, a species of tree that can withstand harsh weather conditions. Notably, in Song Tu Tay, there is a phong ba tree that was recognized as a Heritage Tree in 2014.
The maple tree on Song Tu Tay island is about 300 years old, associated with the presence of fishermen from Phu Khanh province who used to sail out toTruong Safishing and trading goods with foreign ships since the 17th century.
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The trunk of a maple tree on Song Tu Tay Island requires two people to hug around it. Photo: Tien Dong |
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Due to slow growth, rough bark layers are clearly visible on the tree trunk. Photo: Quang An |
According to our research, the maple tree is a plant species belonging to the family Aedesaceae (also known as the family Heliotropium). This species is native to tropical Asia, Madagascar, and northern Australia. The maple tree is a very slow growing tree, mature after 10 years only 3 - 4 m high. The tree can regenerate by seeds and shoots. Because the tree has a wide growth range, can grow well in coastal areas, islands, withstands storms, salt water and can live well on coral sand, so it is often planted along the coast to block wind and fix sand.
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In 2014, the tree was recognized as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree by the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment. Photo: Tien Dong |
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Officers and soldiers on Song Tu Tay Island regularly take care of and protect this heritage tree to keep it green forever. Photo: Quang An |
Lieutenant Colonel Le Ngoc Nam - Deputy Political Commissar of Song Tu Tay Island shared: The banyan tree on theSong Tu Tay Islandis currently located behind the island's Command Headquarters. The tree is about 25m high from the ground, with a canopy of 35m. On April 14, 1975, when Song Tu Tay was liberated, the tree was already one of the oldest trees on the island. Although the weather on the island is very harsh, the tree is still green. Notably, in December 2021, storm No. 9 with a gust of level 16 swept through the island, causing about 90% of the trees to fall and break, but this Phong Ba tree still stands firm. In 2014, the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment recognized this Phong Ba tree as a Vietnam Heritage Tree.
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Certificate of recognition of heritage tree. Photo: Tien Dong |
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Flowers of the maple tree. Photo: Quang An |
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| The banyan tree always spreads its cool green canopy to cool down the heat of Truong Sa. Photo: Tien Dong |
According to many people, the maple tree appeared on Song Tu Tay island because it grew naturally. When fishermen went to Song Tu Tay island to exploit seafood, this maple tree was there. For the soldiers and people on Song Tu Tay island commune, this maple tree is as close as a close friend, witnessing many happy and sad memories of the soldiers on Truong Sa island./.
