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Two precious java silk trees stand in the park, which are the symbols of the park. One situates upon Pao Tai Hill; the other right next to the tennis court and ill now. During the World War II, whenever there was an air attack, the locals would climb onto the top of the trees to observe the situation. It’s hard to understand now why people could see the airplanes simply by climbing to the trees’ top. However, 60 years ago, there were few tall buildings in the city. By standing on the mound that is at the altitude of 89 meters, one could even see the snow accumulation on Jade Mountain. Java silk tress stands upon the mound, at the altitude more than 100 meters. From where, one could see the airplanes from Taichung Harbor.

Standing on the Pao Tai Hill, java silk tree has buttress roots

Next to tennis court, the ill aging tree

The following is the report on the withering java silk tree next to the tennis court, including before treatment and after treatment

Before Treatment-The Dying Old Tree

Taichung Park, going to celebrate its 100th birthday next year, has two precious java silk trees. One of them is over 100 years old. The used-to-be flourish tree now is withering.

Huang Guo Shu, a city councilor, suspect that the cause to the tree’s illness is from light bulb strings that hung over the tree during the lantern festival. The scenic management agency of the government commented that only after expertise’s diagnosis could follow the right treatment.

Huang Guo Shu, along with Wang Ming Shang, the officer of scenic management department, came to examine the ill tree on 30th. Compared with other exuberant tress, this 30 some meters high national treasure has bare branches; some of them are dried up. The unique buttress roots are partly scaled off.   

Huang said that java silk tress isn’t native plant. During Japan’s reign, java silk trees have been planted in Taiwan. Till now, those left that are less than 10 should be over 100 years old. Two of the ten left are in this park. It’s really a pity that the old tree is dying now.

Huang indicated two possible causes: first, last year the government was undertaking the renovation construction of Taichung Park. The new cement ground could intervene with the roots’ function. Second, during the lantern festival, too many light bulbs were hung over the tree and that could overload the tree.

However, Wang thought the withering could be resulted from plant disease. The real cause could only be determined by expertise. He didn’t have great hope on the recovery of the three.

The other java silk tree was also attacked by disease three years ago. However, after proper treatment, now it’s back to the normal. Huang hopes the government could do something to save this tree too. He said if the government couldn’t save this tree, then the scenic renovation construction that is undertaking is going to be a total failure.

Resource from：1991/05/01 Zi You Newspaper

After Treatment-Doctor On The Mission To Save The Tree

One of the java silk trees in Taichung Park is withering recently. The government invited tree doctor, Yang Gan Ling, to diagnose it. After diagnosis, it is believed that human behavior caused the damage and only 50 percent of survival rate is expected. People were curiously gathering around the tree when Dr. Yang and other staff were installing 10 some oxygen suppliers under the tree.

Dr. Yang Gan Ling, who has a plant doctor license in Japan, was invited from Xinzhu to diagnose the ill tree. After close examination, Dr. Yang said the engineering construction around tree contributed to the withering of the tree. The roots are seriously damaged. Covered by soil, the roots can’t absorb sunshine and air and therefore reined.

He further said, “The maintenance job didn’t do well. Visitors can pee on the roots. The soil is brown in color and it’s the evidence to show the human behavior caused the damage.” The proper treatment is to clean the clods that cover the roots. Then, fungi must be prevented. Finally, stuff in mothballs and pesticide to compete the elementary surgery like job. Other jobs include cutting branches, cleaning and well maintaining. If the treatment works, the tree has another fifteen or twenty some years to live.

Dr. Yang also said that the oxygen supplier they offered the tree include elements like amylum, vermiculite, phosphoric acid, kieserite, calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate. These elements could speed oxygen absorbing, to sterilize and to thrive the tree in a short time without polluting the air.

Resource from ：UDN News 1991/05/22