A Chinese Banyan at Shui Mei Village Playground in Yuen Long was chosen as the city’s Favourite Old & Valuable Tree by thousands of people in a Development Bureau online contest in November.
It came top of the crop out of more than 500 trees officially listed as “old and valuable” in Hong Kong.
Leo Tai, a tree management officer with the Development Bureau, explained that the brick house the tree encases is thought to have been built in the Ming dynasty.
"After an inland migration order in the Qing dynasty forced villagers to abandon their homes, the young Banyan’s branches grew unkempt and eventually wrapped themselves around the house."
Unique dwelling
While the house itself has slowly disintegrated over the course of time, its existence remains cast in what is known locally as the tree house banyan.
One of the Chinese Banyan species' special features is its ability to grow around anything using the hair-like roots seen dangling from its branches.
“They have different aerial roots to expand the tree structure and use the gaps between the bricks to find a way to get some water and nutrients, so the tree has fully adapted to its environment,” Mr Tai said.
Like people, trees also suffer from ailments in their old age. To help the Chinese Banyan survive for many years to come, conservationists have placed hollow bamboo sticks filled with soil around the tree so that its aerial roots can lodge inside them and turn into wood – a process known as “lignifying”, which in turn strengthens it.
Mr Tai explained that people stepping on the ground around the old tree would compact the soil, making it difficult for it to soak up water and nutrients. So a fence was built around the tree to protect it from curious visitors.
Hardy neighbours
Since 2004, the Old & Valuable Trees Register has recorded more than 500 trees on unleased Government land within built-up areas and village tourist spots. They are selected for their old age - at least 100 years, outstanding form, rarity, and cultural and historical significance.
The Development Bureau’s online contest drew about 4,800 votes – half from students.
Three trees won prizes in each of the poll’s four categories: “Remarkable Form & Size”, “Botanical & Ecological Value”, “Historical & Cultural Significance”, and “Contribution in Landscape & Setting”.
Mr Tai hopes that similar competitions can help people appreciate and care for old trees in Hong Kong.
“They can learn that trees have different forms and rare species, as well as historical value. What’s more, we live near trees, they are our neighbours, so they should know more about them.”
