400-year-old Chinese banyan tree in Kowloon Park saved from the chop
After surviving for four centuries, a banyan infected with brown root rot has been saved from the chop and is part of a treatment trial
A 400-year-old tree in Kowloon Park has been saved from the chop and is now part of a trial to test a possible remedy for brown root rot disease.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department overturned its earlier decision to remove the Chinese banyan, which is suffering from the infectious disease affecting trees across the city.
The Tree Management Office said the trial would cover three other heritage trees: the Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree in Tai Po; a banyan in Lei Yue Mun Park, Shau Kei Wan; and another banyan in Shui Mei village playground, Yuen Long.
The 400-year-old "king" of the city's trees had been on a removal list since August last year after fungus from brown root rot was found on its trunk. There is no proven treatment for the disease.
Advisers from the tree office said at the time the "painful" decision had been taken to prevent the spread of the disease.
But the department last week told the Post that the tree - which is under its management - has been kept to try out a new treatment. A spokeswoman said: "The tree has shown signs of improvement since April. Given its historical value, it has been retained for a trial … with a view to salvaging the tree as far as possible."
The U-turn has sparked debate among tree experts, with one questioning the trial method and warning the disease might spread if the tree is not destroyed.