A century-old tree in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap has been recognised as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree by the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE). 

The ancient Trom tree in the Go Thap special national relic site. (Source: thdt.vn)

A ceremony to announce the status was held in the province’s special national Go Thap relic site, where the tree stands, on April 20.

The 25m high tree, scientifically known as Sterculia Foetida L but called Trom in the community, is 2.07 metres in diameter. It is the third ancient tree in the locality received the title.

The recognition has helped to disseminate the special national relic site’s tourism image.

In 2011 the VACNE launched a programme to conserve Vietnam’s Heritage Trees, aiming to select and honour the country’s heritage trees in a bid to conserve their gene sources, while raising public 

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 values to science, history or culture, will also earn recognition. 

The number of recognised Heritage Trees is currently around 970.

VNA