VietNamNet Bridge – A 287-year-old carambola tree and a 326-year-old Sop (Ficus pisocarpa Blume) tree in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap have been recognised as national heritage trees.

The 326-year-old Sop (Ficus pisocarpa Blume) tree (Source: dongthap.gov.v)

ertificates of the recognition were handed over to local authorities by the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE) at a ceremony held in the locality on December 18.

The trees, which are the first heritage trees of Dong Thap, are standing in the memorial site of Nguyen Sinh Sac, who is late President Ho Chi Minh’s father, in Cao Lanh city since 1977 as a gift from the Ngo Van Hay family.

During the two resistance wars, the Ngo Van Hay family dug cellars under the trees to provide shelters for revolutionaries.

The VACNE launched the programme to conserve Vietnam Heritage Trees in 2011.

It contributes to promoting the diversification and abundance of Vietnam’s flora as well as developing scientific research in the field.

To win the honour, wild trees must be at least 200 years old, while planted ones must be aged at least 100. Moreover, the trees should be connected with the historical and cultural characteristics of the area where they stand.

These recognitions raised the number of heritage trees that has been recognised to 719 so far.