Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Experts offer help to preserve ancient trees

MALACCA: Four ancient Yellow Flame trees described as the “cathedrals” of the state's green and great natural assets may be saved from being axed.

A Malacca MCA campaign to save the four ageing peltophorum pterocarpum (Yellow Flame) trees received backing when a group of horticulturists offered their help.

The four ancient trees, situated within the Unesco World Heritage core zone, were recommended for felling when it was discovered that the stems had deteriorated due to age, and termite infestations posed a threat to passers-by.

Concern: Gan (grey shirt) and some horticulturists looking at one of the four trees in Malacca.

State MCA chief Datuk Gan Tian Loo said a group of local horticulturists, specialising in bonsai cultivation, was looking into the possibility of employing growth regulator technology to save the trees apart from other methods that could regenerate the stems.

“I was told that the growth and development of ageing trees are controlled by two sets of restoration factors, namely nutritional and hormonal.

“They will employ this method or other proven horticultural methods to save the trees,” he said.
The city has about 69 ancient Angsana and Yellow Flame trees.

About 47 of them are situated within the Unesco World Heritage core zone.

Four had developed holes in their trunks.

A botanist commissioned by the state government last year to determine the conditions of ancient trees in the state had suggested that the four Yellow Flame trees be felled as they could uproot anytime.

The Angsana and Yellow Flame trees are believed to have existed for more than 200 years.

The most obvious indicator of age is the size of the tree.

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