Decoding the tree species regarded as residence of spirits in Tay Nguyen

HERITAGE TREES

11 November 2011 | 11:21:00 AM

As mysterious as the land they symbolize, Ko nia trees (Irvingia malayana) hold within itself many unique features that draw human curiosity and interest.

Ko nia trees grow in a number of different places throughout Vietnam (from Quang Nam - Da Nang to the South of Vietnam including Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Tho Chu islands) but only in Tay Nguyen (Vietnam’s Central Highlands) are these kind of trees particularly respected. Ethnic people in Tay Nguyen regard Ko nia trees as residences of the gods and dead spirits so they never trespass on these trees or cut them down. At the fields in the mountains ancient Ko nia trees give shades for people when they take a rest from their work. Photo: Gia Lai Newspaper.

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Ko nia trees are comparable to the Tay Nguyen character and vitality: They have high and mighty shapes; each tree grows separately and is full of vitality. They can withstand droughts, are green year-round and after being cut down, they rapidly shoot. Photo: Xuan Linh

This kind of tree also owns a rare set of long roots that are as long as the tree height (from 15 to 30m). Owing to these stable roots Ko nia trees rarely fall down during heavy rains and hurricanes. Photo: Club Ban Me People

Ko nia are also medicinal trees for native communities with high medicinal characteristics. Indigenous people often use a clean, chopped, and boiled Ko nia trunk and root bark (fresh or dried) for curing flatulence, indigestion, and malaria.

Being such unique and significant trees even at Tay Nguyen, the Ko nia trees have been gradually disappearing due to over-exploitation by emigrants who cut trees to burn for producing coal. Even at Buon Ma Thuot City which is regarded as a capital of the Tay Nguyen, there exists only one Ko nia tree at the back of the Central Cultural House. Therefore, the Ko nia tree species is listed in the Vietnam Red Book to encourage efforts on its protection and multiplication. Photo: hnsmile(ttvnol).