The mystery of the 500-year-old gallstone tree in Ky Anh tunnel

The more than 500-year-old gallstone tree located in the national historical and cultural relic area of ​​Ky Anh tunnels in Quang Nam province has been recognized as a Vietnam Heritage Tree.

This afternoon, February 21, the People's Committee of Tam Ky City ( Quang Nam ) held a ceremony to announce the decision on Vietnam Heritage Trees and continue activities in response to the National Biodiversity Restoration Year - Quang Nam 2024.

At the ceremony, representatives of the Department of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity ( Ministry of Agriculture and Environment ) awarded a certificate recognizing the rội mật tree as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree.

The gallstone tree is recognized as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree.

PHOTO: MANH CUONG

The Rội mật tree is a testament along with the Thach Tan communal house (Tam Thang commune, Tam Ky city). The Rội mật tree is over 500 years old, with a base circumference of 2.7 m, and a height of over 26 m, located in the historical site of Ky Anh tunnels.

In the past, this rội mật tree was a place where people rested after farming hours and participated in cultural activities. During the resistance war against the French, the rội mật tree was a place to practice the movement of "eliminating illiteracy".

During the resistance war against the US, guerrillas often climbed up to observe the enemy's marching troops to signal our troops to escape through the creeks and hide in the tunnels. The tree towered high among the swamp and low forest trees, so it endured many bombs and artillery shells from the enemy. However, strangely enough, the tree still stood firm like the steadfast hearts of the people of Tam Ky province.

Today, this heritage tree becomes a tourist attraction and historical destination.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Tran Trung Hau, Vice Chairman of Tam Ky City People's Committee, said that the recognition of the rội mật tree as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree is not only a source of pride for the people of Tam Ky City but also demonstrates the efforts in the process of protecting nature, preserving ecological values and cultural heritage in Quang Nam in general.

Mr. Tran Trung Hau, Vice Chairman of Tam Ky City People's Committee, spoke at the ceremony.

PHOTO: MANH CUONG

"The gallnut tree not only has historical value but also plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance, contributing to creating green landscapes and raising public awareness about nature protection," Mr. Hau emphasized.

According to Mr. Hau, in response to the National Biodiversity Restoration Year - Quang Nam, Tam Ky City People's Committee has organized and coordinated many meaningful activities throughout 2024. Including exhibitions, rallies in response to the wildlife protection campaign, scientific seminar "On conservation and promotion of the values of the wetland ecosystem of Dam River Lake" with the participation of scientists, experts at home and abroad...

Ky Anh Tunnels used to belong to Ky Anh Commune (now Tam Thang Commune). This is one of the three longest and largest tunnels in Vietnam, after Cu Chi Tunnels (Ho Chi Minh City) and Vinh Moc Tunnels (Quang Tri Province).

Ky Anh tunnels were recognized as a national historical and cultural relic on May 27, 1997.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ky-bi-cay-roi-mat-hon-500-nam-tuoi-o-dia-dao-ky-anh-185250221181030199.htm