The century-old “bach mai” (white apricot), “trom mo” and “xoai ngu” (mango) trees in Thai Binh, Phu Yen and Ben Tre provinces have recently been recognized as heritage trees for better protection.

The over-300-year-old “bach mai” tree at Phu Tu Temple in southern Ben Tre province’s Phu Hung commune, which is one of the oldest of its kind in the southern region and measures some 14m high, receives the recognition.

Every year in the middle of the first month in the Lunar Calendar, the tree blooms in all white and gives out a pleasant scent. Local artists would gather around the tree reciting poems and founded a poetry association after the tree’s name in 1994.

The tree, which had been recognized as a provincial relic since 2008 , is ranked among the country’s rarest trees. Scientists are now working on its scientific name.

The 1,000-year-old “trom mo” tree, also known as “uop” in northern Thai Binh province’s Vu Thu district, as well as a cluster of 20 “xoai ngu” (mango) trees, which are all aged 220 years and above, in central Phu Yen province’s Tuy An district are also granted the recognition at the same time.

The number of heritage trees around the country has reached 514.

The recognition means providing the precious, long-time trees better care and protecting them from alarming leave drying, uprooting, dying and illegal felling.