A population of ancient ‘po mu’ trees (Fokienia hodginsii), some nearly 1,000-years-old, has been found at the Vu Quang National Park in Ha Tinh province, announced the park’s director Nguyen Danh Ky, on May 5.

The biggest ‘po mu’ tree in the newly-found population is 2.2 metres in diameter and nearly 30 metres in height. (Photo: dantri.com.vn) 

The ancient trees were found during a recent field trip made by the park’s research team. They are located in an area 1,445 metres above sea level which is covered by fog all year round, with average temperatures at night of about 9°C - 10°C.

The biggest tree is 2.2 metres in diameter and nearly 30 metres in height. Initial results from the experts show that the tree is aged around 800 to 1,000 years, making it the most ancient ‘po mu’ tree to be discovered at the park so far.

In addition to the biggest tree, the newly-found population also includes both ancient and young ‘po mu’ trees, which can be seen as encouraging signs for the preservation and development of ‘po mu’ trees at the park.

The ‘po mu’ tree has been on the Vietnam Red Data Book of endangered species since 1996.

Nhan Dan