The green lim tree, esteemed alongside ironwood, rosewood, and shorea as one of Vietnam’s "Four Precious Woods," is renowned for its exceptional durability and hardness. This has made it a coveted target for illegal loggers, further enhancing its status as a natural treasure.

In early August 2024, accompanied by forest rangers and local residents, VietNamNet reporters ventured into Ba Ho forest in Di Nau, home to a significant number of these ancient green lim trees, some dating back hundreds of years.

After nearly an hour of navigating rocky trails and crossing streams, we arrived at the heart of the forest, where more than 300 green lim trees rise majestically, their robust trunks supporting canopies of dense, vibrant foliage.

Phung Duc Toan, Head of the Tam Nong Forest Protection Department, emphasized the rarity of these trees, noting that the forest is home to over 300 green lim trees, each over a century old, with some surpassing 300 years. These ancient trees are meticulously protected, a testament to their enduring significance.

Guided by Mr. Toan, we approached one of the oldest green lim trees in the forest. Its rugged, brown bark was cloaked in thick layers of lichen, a testament to its age. Towering over 40 meters tall, the tree’s massive trunk would require three people, hand in hand, to fully encircle it.

The origins of these green lim trees remain a mystery, even to the village elders, who have witnessed the forest’s preservation through generations. The Ba Ho forest is revered by locals as a sacred place, a symbol of their heritage.

In 1989, when the Vietnamese government launched a program to allocate forest land to local households, the green lim forest remained untouched, unassigned. Yet, the residents of Di Nau voluntarily assumed the responsibility of safeguarding this precious ecosystem.

For nearly 40 years, the family of Nguyen Thi Sinh has been the principal caretakers of the largest group of ancient green lim trees in the area, overseeing 160 trees. Thousands of seedlings have sprouted from these ancient giants, nurtured with great care by the family.

"We take immense pride in the green lim trees under our care," shared Mrs. Sinh. "We consider them 'treasures' and feel a deep responsibility to protect them. My children and I often collaborate with forest rangers to monitor the area and prevent illegal logging."

Han Trung Lai, another local resident, manages over a hectare of green lim forest, which includes 36 massive trees and nearly 500 naturally grown young lim trees. Thanks to strict protection, these trees continue to thrive, free from damage for many years.

The over 300 ancient green lim trees in Ba Ho forest have stood side by side for generations, stretching towards the sunlight. They are seen as a "green goldmine," a priceless gift from nature to this region.