The ancient banyan tree that was recognized as a heritage tree in Quang Truc Commune, Tuy Duc District, Dak Nong Province, Vietnam. Photo: D.P. / Tuoi Tre
Thirty-six ‘sang le’ or ‘bang lang’ (crape myrtle) trees and one ancient banyan tree in the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong have been recognized as heritage trees by the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE).
Nguyen Ngoc Binh, chairman of South Central Highlands Forestry One Member Co. Ltd., the group which manages the forest in Quang Truc Commune, Tuy Duc District, Dak Nong, where the 37 trees are located, announced the recognition on Wednesday afternoon.
The official recognition by the VACNE was part of its efforts to promote environmental protection and preserve biodiversity.
The association also aims to raise awareness about conservation, beautiful landscapes, and cultural and historical values.
Binh’s company originally proposed that VACNE recognize a total of 56 crape myrtle trees and one ancient banyan tree in Quang Truc Commune as heritage trees, according to the chairman.
Rangers and officials hug a 600-year-old crape myrtle tree that has been recognized as a heritage tree in Quang Truc Commune, Tuy Duc District, Dak Nong Province, Vietnam. Photo: D.P. / Tuoi Tre
However, the association decided to grant the title only to 36 crape myrtle trees and the ancient banyan, all of which met the recognition criteria.
To be named as a heritage tree, a tree must be at least 200 years old if it is a wild tree and at least 100 years if it is a planted one.
The tree must also be connected with the historical and cultural characteristics of the area where it grows.
Notably, among the 36 honored crape myrtle trees, one is estimated to be up to 600 years old.
A recognition ceremony for the heritage trees is already scheduled, Binh said.