After the recognition of 2 hundred-year-old trees in the province, the authorities of Thua Thien - Hue province are now attempting to make another local tree, a banyan called Silver Stone, a national heritage tree.
The Silver Stone banyan tree is located beside National Highway One, near the town of Phu Loc. The tree has been standing for hundreds of years, living through both of the resistance wars in Vietnam. It is now part of the Rang Bo national historical site.
"During the resistance against French colonialism, our troops used this area as a place for hiding from enemies", said Le Son, Resident, Phu Loc District, Thua Thien - Hue Province.
Silver Stone's tree trunk has a perimeter 18 meters long, and is rooted around 6 ancient granite stones. The 200 year old tree looks like a man-made masterpiece, with perfection in every detail.
"In March 1975, soliders of Phu Loc held military exercises here to prevent enemy invasions from Hue and Da Nang", said Nguyen Minh Tuan, Former Head, Culture Office, Phu Loc District, Thua Thien - Hue Province.
Silver Stone's tree trunk has a perimeter 18 meters long, and is rooted around 6 ancient granite stones. The 200 year old tree looks like a man-made masterpiece, with perfection in every detail.
Silver Stone is also a symbol of faith and spiritual worship. It is an irreplaceable part of the lives of people here.
"The tree has long been revered as a spiritual force for the residents, especially on important holidays", said Nguyen Minh Tuan.
Local authorities emphasised the need for recognition for Silver Stone for further promotion, as it belongs to Rang Bo national historical site.
"We find that the Silver Stone banyan tree satisfies all requirements to be recognised as a heritage tree. We hope that our proposal is accepted soon, to further promote cultural traditions of the region", said Pham Huu Chung, Head, Phu Loc Cultural Division, Thua Thien - Hue Province.
Thua Thien - Hue already has two trees acknowledged as national heritage trees. Once Silver Stone is recognised, Hue would have a total of 3 heritage trees, contributing to the uniqueness of local culture and tourism.
