Ancient seagrape tree thriving at Yersin Nha Trang General Hospital

On the occasion of the opening of Yersin Nha Trang General Hospital in Vinh Thai Commune, Nha Trang City on June 28, Dong Luong Son, former Director of Yasaka-Saigon-Nhatrang Hotel, Chairman of the Association of Yersin Admirers donated an old-aged Cocoloba uvifera or seagrape tree to the hospital. The tree is thriving with lush branches and leaves.

The ancient tree placed by the statue of Dr. A. Yersin in a newly built hospital honorably named after the great scientist. It is one of the three ancient seagrape trees still in existence believed to have been planted by Dr. A.Yersin when he founded Nha Trang Pasteur Institute (in 1895). The 2 ancient trees currently on the campus of the Nha Trang Pasteur Institute were labeled Vietnamese Heritage Trees by the Vietnam Association for the Protection of Nature and Environment in 2021.

The ancient tree placed by the statue of Dr. A. Yersin at Nha Trang General Hospital.

The Coccoloba uvifera or seagrape tree is in the buckwheat family, Polygonaceae, that is native to coastal beaches throughout tropical Central America. It is often planted to stabilize beach edges; it is also planted as an ornamental shrub.

When Pasteur Nha Trang Institute was first established, its location used to be a pristine sandy area. The first Coccoloba uvifera plants at Nha Trang Pasteur Institute were believed to have been brought in by Dr. A. Yersin.

With admiration and respect for Dr. A.Yersin, Dong Luong Son devoted time and labor with enthusiasm and passion collecting many relics related to the famous scientist, including this ancient tree.

This ancient tree, which had been removed for the widening of Tran Phu Street is now reviving at the hospital named after him. The tree was taken care by Dong Luong Son and then given to the province.

Yersin Nha Trang General Hospital was chosen as the location for this rare tree. It is more than a hundred years old, consisting of one root with 4 trunks, about 9 - 10m high, requiring up to 3 - 4 people to join hands around the trunk. 

 “I am very happy and satisfied that the tree has a meaningful location. The rare tree’s existence and development remind younger generations of the great scientist’s contributions. The ancient tree is thriving. I hope Vietnam Association for the Protection of Nature and Environment will soon evaluate and recognize the tree as a Vietnamese heritage tree," Dong Luong Son said.

The ancient tree came to the campus of Yersin Nha Trang Hospital in his honor giving cool shade over the Statue of A. Yersin on the occasion of the 160th birthday of Dr. Alexandre Yersin (September 22, 1863–2023)

D.T

Translated by N.T