Molungyimsen, May 21 (MExN): The magnificent 138 years old Litchi Tree, planted during the 1st week of June, 1878, four Jackfruit trees and one Mango tree, still standing against all weather conditions at 764 m (2506 ft) above sea level at Molungyimsen were planted by Rev. Dr. and Mrs. EW Clark.
“The trees are still bearing fruits; however, the Litchi tree is not healthy,” Dr. Moa Walling, Deputy Director Horticulture informed in a press release.
A team of expert plant propagators from the State Horticulture Nursery, Dimapur was assigned by the Director of Horticulture to do propagation work on this litchi tree so that the true-to type planting materials can be obtained and later use for planting.
The 138 years old tree has many holes and crevices in the main trunk, secondary trunk and branches accompanied with lichen, moss and orchids infestation. Some of the bigger branches are wilting which can be attributed to old age and general health of the tree.
The team conducted hands-on-demo to the villagers for cleaning, preparation of Bordeaux paste and painting. Bordeaux paste was prepared along with the villagers and painted the trunk after cleaning the moss, lichens and the dead wood.
The team made more than 50 layering on May 18 which on successful rooting will be collected during last week July – 1st week August than this layering will be raised in secondary nurseries for planting next year.
The main tree trunk measures 405 cm and the 4 secondary branches as 183 cm, 213 cm, 230 cm and 175 cm. The spread of the canopy (branches) is East direction: 858 cm, Westward: 702 cm, North direction: 827 cm and South direction: 581 cm with a height of 1279 cm.
This Magnificent Lithci tree at Molungyimsen which is planted by Rev. Dr. EW Clark in June 1878 will probably be the oldest litchi tree still bearing fruit in our country.
Horticulture department will undertake more trips to Molungyimsen so that this tree can be nourished, treated, protected and used for propagation.
The “Molungyimsen Ebenezer Mission” board, the Molungyimsen church pastor and authorities and many elders had helped and provided support to the team while conducting physical treatment to the tree, Air layering and during documentation about the Magnificent Litchi Tree.
Many Christians today believe that, miraculous healing and spiritual inspiration is achieved while praying at the tree and by use of the miracle Litchi Leaf and Fruit.
