VietNamNet Bridge - Yen Tu mountain in Quang Ninh province is the home to 230 xich tung (red pine) treeshundreds of years old but half of them are nearly dead due to severe disease. Local authorities are looking for measures to save the rare trees.

The pine trees, about 700 years old, have always been a part of Yen Tu, a complex of temples, small pagodas, towers, ancient forests and beautiful landscapes, considered the cradle of Vietnamese Buddhism. 

However, amid natural destruction, the attack of insects, old age and poor health, the number of trees has been decreasing. 

The public once again paid attention to the trees in Yen Tu National Park after a 700-year-old tree collapsed during the typhoon Mirinae last week. 

The red pine tree in Yen Tu is an endemic species of the land. It is called a “red pine” because the wood and resin bear a red color.

Scientists have repeatedly warned that most of the pines are seriously diseased. In recent years, 19 trees died. Of the existing trees, very few have been growing normally. Most of the others are aging and infected with insects, and may collapse and die one day.

Most red pine trees are located on the way from Giai Oan Pagoda to Hoa Yen, a route of pilgrimage. The route is called “Tung” (pine). There are 57 pine trees on the route, six of which have died. There are 18 with hollowed trunks and the others are diseased.

According to the Yen Tu Relic and National Park Board of Management, the diseases affecting the red pine trees are curable. However, only 10 trees have been cured as there is a lack of money.

Mr. Le Tien Dung, Head of Yen Tu monuments and national forests management board, said that there are 233 ancient xich tung trees in Yen Tu, of which more than 130 trees have their trunks partially hollow, are topless, or seriously attacked by diseases and pest. Previously, 19 trees died due to the impact of time, nature and human activities.

Local authorities have approved a VND27 billion ($1.3 million) project to take care of and preserve the trees, Dung said.

The public once again paid attention to the trees in Yen Tu National Park after a 700-year-old tree collapsed during the typhoon Mirinae last week.

Le Ha