“Green Treasure” on Son Tra Peninsula

The thousand-year banyan tree on Son Tra peninsula, with its giant trunk of a strange shape and thick leafy canopy, is considered a “green treasure” of the green lung in Da Nang. 
Visiting Son Tra peninsula, tourists are not only fascinated by the rare brown-tailed langur which is in danger of extinction and the pristine beauty of immense primitive forests stretching out to the sea, but are also amazed by a giant  banyan tree  nearly a thousand years old.

Situated in the Sub-zone 63 of Son Tra Nature Reserve, the tree stands majestically with luxuriant and interlacing foliage. Seen from afar, it looks like a huge umbrella shading a large area.
 

Following a path through the pristine forest of Son Tra peninsula to the banyan tree. Photo:Thanh Hoa


For locals in Da Nang, the banyan tree has not only biological value but also historical significance because 
Special Forces in Quang Nam – Da Nang selected this place as their base during the resistance wars
against the French and Americans. Photo: Thanh Hoa
The nearly thousand-year old banyan tree in the primitive forest of Son Tra peninsula.
Photo: Thanh Hoa
The tree is an ideal place on the tour to discover the natural scenery Son Tra peninsula. Photo: Thanh Hoa
In June 2014, the tree was officially recognised as one of Vietnam heritage trees by the Vietnam Association for Nature and Environmental Protection. It is also one of the largest and oldest trees in Vietnam. Photo: Thanh Hoa

Creepers live on the trunk of the giant banyan tree. Photo: Thanh Hoa
Tourists take photos at the giant tree. Photo: Thanh Hoa
The giant banyan tree in the forest. Photo: Thanh Hoa
The tree with a thick leafy canopy, branches and hundreds of big and small roots. Photo: Thanh Hoa
Young people take photos of the giant tree. Photo: Thanh Hoa
Korean tourists take photos when visiting the banana tree. Photo: Thanh Hoa

According to scientists, the 22m high banyan tree has hundreds of big and small lateral roots that sink deep into the ground and lush foliage, forming a majestic landscape.

Apart from the main trunk which is very large, it has 26 other branches formed from the roots which surround the main trunk to serve as firm pillars to support the upper foliage. The perennial roots at the stump rise to the surface, looking like giant snakes crawling on the ground.

In June 2014, the tree was officially recognised as one of Vietnam heritage trees by the Vietnam Association for Nature and Environmental Protection. It is also one of the largest and oldest trees in Vietnam.

Prof. Dang Huy Huynh, President of the Vietnam Heritage Tree Council and the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE), the selection and honour of the giant banyan tree seeks to directly preserve it in the tropical area and introduce the richness and diversity of the flora of Vietnam. It also contributes to promote tourism development in the region and improve the awareness of the locals to protect the environment.

By Thanh Hoa

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