Among the list, Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago in central Khanh Hoa province has four trees, including two Mu u (Calophylum) trees on Son Ca and Sinh Ton islands, one Bang vuong (square-fruit Malabar Almond) and one Phong ba (scientifically known Heliotropium foertherianum). All of them are more than 30 years old and have special values in terms of history, culture, biology and environment. The northernmost province of Ha Giang is home to 13 nominated trees from 500 to 600 years of age. They include four banyans in Dong Van town and nine giant Cho chi (Parashrea stellata) trees in Bac Me district which are more than 45m high.

An over-200-year-old banyan tree in Tho Son village, in Dai Nghia town of Ha Noi’s My Duc district is also nominated for the title.

The remaining trees are in Tan Hoa commune, Dong Phu district, in the southern province of Binh Phuoc.

The nominated trees are waiting for approval by the Chairman of the Viet Nam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE).

If they get the approval, the number of recognised Heritage Trees will reach 700.

In 2011, the VACNE launched a programme to conserve Viet Nam Heritage Trees, aiming to select and honour the country’s heritage trees in a bid to conserve their gene sources, while raising public awareness of protecting the environment.

It also contributes to promoting the diversification and abundance of Viet Nam’s flora as well as developing scientific research in the field.

To win the honour, the trees must be at least 200 years old in the case of wild trees, and at least 100 years for those planted. Moreover, the trees should be connected with the historical and cultural characteristics of the area where they grow.

Those which do not meet the aforesaid criteria yet have special values in science, history or culture, will also earn recognition.