VietNamNet Bridge - There are numerous plant varieties and technologies from which to choose, but it is difficult to develop greenery that bears the city’s typical characteristics, said Nguyen Tien Hiep from the Center for Plant Conservation of Vietnam amid the public’s debate about Red Maple (Acer rubrum) trees on the streets of Hanoi.


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Hanoi decided to plant red mapple trees on some streets




Red Maple trees in Vietnam grow well in areas with wet and cool climates such as Da Lat and Tam Dao and beautify the areas with their charm and blazing red color.

Hiep also said Red Maple’s flowers do not have a strong odor, do not attract insects and do not make people uncomfortable. Therefore, the decision by the Hanoi authorities to plant Red Maple has been applauded by many people.

Red Maple trees in Vietnam grow well in areas with wet and cool climates such as Da Lat and Tam Dao and beautify the areas with their charm and blazing red color.

Hundreds of maple trees have been planted on Nguyen Chi Thanh, Lang Ha and Tran Duy Hung streets in a plan to increase the capital city’s green space.

Some scientists are concerned about the adaptation of the red maple tree to the tropical weather of Vietnam. They say Red Maple is a shade tree so it is more suitable to grow in forests and more difficult to develop in areas with strong direct light. If the trees are planted in Hanoi, they should be placed to avoid direct light and ensure sufficient humidity. 

One of the solutions is to plant Red Maple together with large-canopy trees.

Hiep said he doesn’t think it is a bad idea to grow exotic plants on Hanoi’s streets. Palm trees, for example, grow on many streets and are beautiful. 

However, Hiep said indigenous varieties should be the top priority among the plant varieties Hanoi considers. Hanoians not only need trees to shield from the sun, but they also need landscapes with original characteristics.

Hanoi once had plant varieties which were symbols of the city. These included cay com nguoi (Celtis) on Ly Thuong Kiet street and cay bang la do (red-leaf tropical almond) on Phung Hung street, which appear on wonderful lyrics by famous musicians.

Hiep believes that exotic plants could be grown in some areas or on some streets, not everywhere. Palm trees should not be grown everywhere in the city. 

On some forums, Hanoians have suggested bang dai loan, or Taiwanese tropical almond as called by locals (Terminalia mantaly). However, scientists believe the tree will fall into disgrace, because its flowers may produce unpleasant odor.


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