VACNE leaders present the certificate recognizing the Cây Khế 

and Cây Thị trees as Vietnam's heritage trees

Accordingly, the ebony tree (Diospyros malabarica (Desr.) Kostel.) and the starfruit tree (Averrhoa carambola L.), both over 200 years old, have been recognized by the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE) as Vietnam Heritage Trees. Notably, the more than 300-year-old white apricot tree at Phu Tu Communal House was recognized as a Vietnam Heritage Tree by VACNE back in 2014. At the ceremony on September 15, 2026, the white apricot tree was again officially recorded in the Vietnam Records as a “Millennium Ancient Tree,” acknowledging the special value of this ancient tree closely connected to the land and local community.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phùng Chí Sỹ, Vice President of the VACNE spoke at the ceremony

Speaking at the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phung Chi Sy, Vice President of the VACNE said that recognizing the persimmon and starfruit trees is not only meaningful for biodiversity conservation and protecting the environmental landscape, but also shows respect and gratitude to the generations who planted, cared for, and preserved these precious old trees for today.

The fact that the white apricot tree was established as a Vietnamese record "Ancient Millennium", along with the town tree and star fruit tree recognized as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree, contributed to the formation of a valuable population of ancient trees at Phu Tu Communal House. These are not only "witnesses" of local history but can also become a destination for sightseeing, traditional education, scientific research and ecological experience. 

Local authorities hope that the value of the ancient trees, along with the historical and cultural significance of Phu Tu Temple, will help attract visitors and lay the groundwork for creating tours and sightseeing routes, thereby contributing to the development of local tourism and the economy. 

According to the organizers, around the mid-18th century, people started settling in what is now Phu Khuong, clearing the land and making a living there. Phu Tu communal house, where the local guardian deity is worshiped, was built and officially recognized in 1910. The communal house and the ancient white apricot tree were once recognized by the Ben Tre Provincial People's Committee (former) as a provincial-level historical and cultural site, noted for its architectural style and folk beliefs. 

In front of the communal house stands a more than 300-year-old Bạch Mai tree; behind it are a starfruit tree and a rose apple tree over 200 years old. Over many generations, these ancient trees have not only contributed to the green landscape and ecological value of the communal house grounds but have also been closely tied to the cultural, historical, and spiritual life of the local community. 

Continuing to recognize and preserve these ancient trees at Phu Tu Communal House is therefore not just about protecting nature, but also about preserving cultural values and community memories that have been passed down through generations.

The inauguration stone beer  Vietnamese Heritage Tree of the Cây Khế tree  

The inauguration stone beer  Vietnamese Heritage Tree of the Cây Thị tree

Grand opening of the stone plaque setting the record 'Thousand-Year Ancient Wood'
for the over 300-year-old Bạch Mai tree