Tree Planting Festival in the Spratly Islands
(Baonghean.vn) - With water shortages during the dry season and devastating storms during the rainy season, having a lush, shady tree on the islands of Truong Sa is no easy feat.
 |
| At the beginning of the new year, just like on the mainland, soldiers in Truong Sa often organize a tree-planting festival. This is a very meaningful activity on the islands because the weather here is harsh. During the dry season, there is a shortage of water, and during the rainy season, storms and strong winds batter the land. Growing a healthy, shady tree on the islands of Truong Sa is no easy feat. |
 |
| Meanwhile, not all plant species can tolerate saltwater and harsh sea winds. The soil for planting is largely transported from the mainland. |
 |
| To celebrate the Lunar New Year this year, the officers and soldiers chose to plant the Tra tree. To ensure the tree can withstand the elements, immediately after planting, the soldiers on the island had to reinforce it to protect it from rain and wind. |
 |
| These tra trees were propagated from large tra trees on the island. Along with the Barringtonia alatus, tra trees make up a large proportion of the greenery on Truong Sa Lon Island. Although the Barringtonia alatus and Barringtonia alatus have long been symbols of growth, vitality, and resilience in the face of storms and rough seas in the front lines of the Fatherland, according to the people of Truong Sa, tra trees truly bring more value than any other. |
 |
| The Terminalia catappa tree is a large tree native to Central America. Large trees can reach 10-20m in height, with a curved trunk and low branching. The canopy is broad, and the leaves are simple, alternate, glossy, with rounded blades and heart-shaped bases, measuring 12-15cm. The tree is widely cultivated in tropical countries. |
 |
| In the Spratly Islands, soldiers and civilians often call this plant "sea grapes" because the fruit grows in clusters, very similar to grapevines on the mainland. In addition, islanders often pick the fruit to eat or soak it in alcohol, similar to the uses of grapes. |
 |
| Ripe Terminalia catappa fruits are often a favorite snack for children on the island. In addition, Terminalia catappa leaves are almost a daily part of the unit's meals. Like fig leaves on the mainland, these leaves taste delicious when eaten with meat or fish. |
 |
| Besides the Terminalia catappa and the Terminalia catappa, the Truong Sa Islands also have another famous tree species, the Barringtonia acutangula. The photo shows an ancient Barringtonia acutangula tree right behind the entrance gate to Truong Sa town. |
