Century-old red silk-cotton tree uprooted in Central Highlands, leaving locals disheartened
The silk-cotton tree, also known as ‘cay gao’ in Vietnamese, has been a significant landmark along the North-South journey through Pleiku for nearly 100 years. It holds countless memories for both locals and visitors. During its flowering season, the old silk-cotton tree showcases vibrant red flowers, attracting numerous travelers who capture its beauty through photographs. They call this magnificent tree in English by different names, such as Bombax Ceiba, Malabar silk-cotton tree, red cotton tree, or kapok. A picture of the iconic almost a century-old red silk-cotton tree along National Highway 14 in Pleiku City, Gia Lai Province, located in Vietnam’s Central Highlands in 2015. Photo: T.B.Dung / Tuoi Tre In 2015, when the National Highway 14 project was being implemented, there were plans to uproot the tree as it would have obstructed the road. However, the sentimental value attached to this ancient tree made the authorities reconsider their decision. After reevaluating...