Ancient banyan in Thua Thien–Hue named heritage tree
A several-century-old banyan tree in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue has been certificated as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree by the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment.
Located in Phu Loc town, the Da Bac banyan is 25 metres in height and 27 metres in diameter, according to Chairman of the district People’s Committee Nguyen Van Manh.
In 2011, the association launched a programme to conserve Vietnam’s Heritage Trees, aiming to select and honour significant trees in a bid to conserve their gene sources, while raising public awareness of protecting the environment.
It also contributes to promoting the diversification and abundance of Vietnam’s flora as well as developing scientific research in the field.
To win the honour, the trees must be at least 200 years old in the case of wild trees, and at least 100 years for those planted. Moreover, the trees should be connected with the historical and cultural characteristics of the area where they grow.
Those which do not meet the criteria, yet have special value to science, history or culture, will also earn recognition.
The number of recognised Heritage Trees is currently around 970.