What kind of tree can be called an "ancient tree"? They help the ancient trees "have a place to live" in their old age

Ancient and famous trees are called "green national treasures", "living cultural relics" and "green living fossils" in nature. After the National Ancient and Famous Trees Science Promotion Week was launched in Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province, the 2024 Ancient and Famous Trees Protection Science Promotion Week was recently held in Dingding Village, Yuanzhuang Township, Xinmi City, Henan Province.

The autumn wind blows over old trees, and withered vines hang over the mountain village. The theme of this year's event is "Protecting ancient and famous trees and building and sharing them with all the people". At present, there are 32,954 ancient and famous trees in our province (including 32,692 ancient trees and 262 famous trees), and 777 ancient tree groups. The forestry department has proposed to set up a special fund for the protection of ancient and famous trees, and all sectors of society have actively participated in the protection of ancient and famous trees by adopting them, donating money for protection, etc.

The 4,500-year-old cypress trees at Songyang Academy.

Current situation: There are 32,692 scattered ancient trees in our province

"Every tree is covered with autumn colors, and every mountain is covered with sunset." It is late autumn again, and the sweet-scented osmanthus is fragrant. In Shanding Village, Yuanzhuang Township, the mountain scenery is becoming more colorful, and more than a dozen ancient trees stand there, recording hundreds of years of stories.

"Ancient trees and famous trees are treasures among forest resources and precious heritage left to us by nature and our ancestors." Su Pengcheng, director of the Xinmi Forestry Bureau, said that they not only witnessed the vicissitudes of time, but also have rich historical, cultural and scientific research value.

Xinmi City is rich in ancient and famous trees, with 1,160 ancient and famous trees, mainly Sophora japonica, Gleditsia sinensis, Cypress and Oak. "We are constantly exploring new mechanisms for the protection of ancient and famous trees, and strengthening the full-process tracking, supervision and guidance of ancient and famous trees throughout the city from a scientific, professional and social perspective." Su Pengcheng said that the overall growth of the ancient trees is good, the seasonal colors are rich, and the growth environment conditions are excellent. It has become a solid ecological barrier for the city's ecological construction.

Henan is located in the transition zone from the second to the third terrace of my country's terrain. It is a province with rich resources of ancient trees and famous trees. According to the data of the second national census of ancient trees and famous trees released by the State Forestry and Grassland Administration in September 2022, there are 5.0819 million ancient trees and famous trees in the country, including 1.2213 million scattered ancient trees and famous trees, and 3.8606 million group ancient trees and famous trees. By the end of 2023, there were 32,954 ancient trees and famous trees in our province (including 32,692 ancient trees and 262 famous trees), and 777 ancient tree groups. Among them, there are 4,576 first-level ancient trees, 6,379 second-level ancient trees, and 21,737 third-level ancient trees. The provincial cities with more ancient trees are Zhengzhou, Luoyang, Pingdingshan, Nanyang, Xinyang and other cities. The main species of ancient trees in the province are: Sophora japonica, Gleditsia sinensis, Platycladus orientalis, Ginkgo biloba, Pistacia chinensis, Quercus acutissima, Chestnut, and Juniperus chinensis.

Value丨It has multiple natural and cultural values ​​and is non-renewable

"Withered vines, old trees, and crows, a small bridge, flowing water, and a home." Ancient and famous trees, also known as nature's "living fossils," are living creatures that bear witness to human history.

What kind of trees can be rated as ancient trees and famous trees? According to the relevant person in charge of the Henan Provincial Forestry Bureau, ancient trees refer to trees that are over 100 years old. Famous trees refer to trees that are precious, rare at home and abroad, and have important historical, cultural, ornamental and scientific research value or important commemorative significance. Some trees are both ancient trees and famous trees. Ancient tree reserve resources refer to trees that are over 50 years old but less than 100 years old.

Ancient trees are managed in groups: trees aged between 100 and 300 years are classified as Class III ancient trees; trees aged between 300 and 500 years are classified as Class II ancient trees; and trees aged over 500 years are classified as Class I ancient trees. Famous trees are not managed in different groups; all famous trees are protected as Class I ancient trees.

Gao Xueyi, director of the Zhengzhou Greening Service Center, said that ancient trees and famous trees are priceless treasures left to us by nature and our ancestors. They not only have the ecological value of ordinary trees, but are also important materials for studying the changes in local natural history. Ancient trees and famous trees are non-renewable and cannot be replaced by other plants.

Ancient trees also have a certain degree of dynamics. On the one hand, as they age, some ancient trees are likely to die and cease to exist due to weakening of their vigor or human factors. On the other hand, some old trees will become new ancient trees over time.

"Ancient trees take a long time to grow (at least 100 years), and it is impossible to produce them in large quantities in a short period of time. They have a specific timing." Gao Xueyi said that it is important to note that for a long time, due to various reasons, ancient trees have suffered serious damage and their number has decreased sharply. Ancient trees are living antiques, and once they die, they cannot regenerate, so it is important to pay attention to the rejuvenation and maintenance of ancient trees.

A reporter from Dahe.com learned that Henan Province and Zhengzhou City jointly held the 2024 National Ancient Trees and Famous Trees Protection Promotion Week. The purpose is to let more people understand the historical and cultural value of ancient trees and famous trees, and fully realize the importance of protecting ancient trees and famous trees, so as to create a good atmosphere for the whole society to pay attention to and participate in the protection of ancient trees and famous trees.

Protection丨It is recommended to set up a special fund for the protection of ancient and famous trees

Just like humans, old trees have lower resistance and health than younger trees, and may have various problems. If they encounter natural disasters such as heavy rains and floods, old trees may suffer a devastating disaster.

"For this reason, ancient trees and famous trees need to be rejuvenated and protected." Su Pengcheng said that in recent years, they have hired a professional ancient tree protection company to scientifically rejuvenate 109 ancient trees in the city, and guided the public to protect 52 ancient trees. At the same time, a total of 4.8 million yuan of funds at all levels have been applied for, especially 2.6 million yuan of protection funds from the Xinmi Charity Federation in 2023, to carry out rescue protection of 41 endangered ancient trees, which have regained vitality and vigor.

Wang Xinling, a third-level researcher at the Zhengzhou Forestry Bureau, said that the ancient and famous tree management departments should implement local management and hierarchical responsibility, fulfill their duties, and hold them accountable for failure to perform their duties. All sectors of society should take the lead in participating in the public welfare action of protecting ancient and famous trees, and actively participate in the protection of ancient and famous trees by adopting them, donating money for protection, etc.

Industry experts suggest that the protection of ancient and famous trees requires financial support from the government and relevant departments. The protection of ancient and famous trees is a social public welfare undertaking. Public finances at all levels should include the funds for the protection and management of ancient and famous trees in the annual budget, or set up a special fund for the protection of ancient and famous trees to absorb funds from the private sector and the public as the relevant expenses for the protection of ancient and famous trees. At the same time, it can also encourage units and individuals to adopt ancient and famous trees, subsidize the maintenance of ancient and famous trees, and carry out activities such as naming and protection.