An ancient tree in a central city of Vietnam has been recognized as a heritage tree, contributing to the protection of rare plant species in Vietnam and the development of local tourism.

The 800-year-old banyan (Ficus bengalensis) in the Son Tra District of the central city of Da Nang was acknowledged as a national heritage tree by the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE) on June 8. 

The 22-meter tree, located in the Son Tra Natural Preservation Zone in Son Tra District, is considered the biggest banyan in Vietnam with a circumference of 10 meters and 26 lateral roots which reach to 25 meters each in length.

The Son Tra banyan currently houses many rare animals and plants, especially the brown-shanked langur, an endemic primate first spotted in 1771.

The recognition not only contributes to the development of provincial tourism but also to the preservation of rare genes of plants in Vietnam, raising awareness of environmental preservation for both local residents and tourists.

The VACNE launched Vietnam Heritage Trees in 2011, which required wild trees to be at least 200 years old and connected with local historical and cultural characteristics to be recognized.

There are nearly 600 trees across the country certified as national heritage trees thus far.

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