By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
On July 23, 2014, the popular tourist attraction Chen Guangwu Tree was knocked down by Typhoon Matmo, a moderate-strength storm.，The tea-offering tree on Beilang Boulevard in Chihshang, Taitung, was successfully righted and replanted in its original spot on July 24 with the support of EVA Air, Taitung County Government, local residents, and various concerned parties.To aid in the tree’s recovery, EVA Air specially asked the Taipei Da’an Forest Friends Foundation to recommend Mr. Yamashita Tokunori, imperial arborist to the Japanese Emperor, and his team, who arrived in Chihshang on the 25th to provide free diagnosis and care for this over-40-year-old Aleurites moluccana tree.
The Aleurites moluccana tree on Beilang Boulevard became famous after Chen Guangwu shot a commercial here. (Image source / EVA Air I SEE YOU official website)
EVA Air stated that upon learning about the tree falling due to the storm, they immediately contacted the Taipei Da’an Forest Friends Foundation to ask Mr. Yamashita, who happened to be in Taiwan at the time, to come to Taitung and assess the tree’s condition to help restore its former health.In gratitude for Taiwan’s strong support during Japan’s nuclear disaster, Mr. Yamashita readily agreed to come to Taitung to conduct a free tree medical check-up. He will bring tools such as wound-healing agents and nutrient solutions to diagnose the tree’s issues and offer appropriate treatment and maintenance advice.
EVA Air invites Japan’s imperial arborist Yamashita Tokunori to personally diagnose the Chen Guangwu Tree in Taitung. (Photo provided / EVA Air)
Yamashita Tokunori is the imperial arborist for the Japanese Imperial Palace, with 25 years of professional experience and high regard in Japan. He specializes in maintaining trees over 50 years old and is especially skilled in transplanting large trees. Originally in Taiwan to treat over a hundred trees in Da’an Forest Park, he took time out of his busy schedule to thoroughly diagnose and restore the tea-offering tree from top to bottom. He also took the opportunity to exchange knowledge with Taitung County Government, Chihshang Township Office, and local experts, sharing the beauty brought by trees and spreading awareness among more Taiwanese people about crisis management and maintenance techniques for fallen trees.
With the help of the imperial arborist, the Chen Guangwu Tree has been righted, and its subsequent recovery remains closely watched. (Photo provided / EVA Air)
Taitung County Government said that the Chen Guangwu Tree, which fell due to Typhoon Matmo, has drawn much public concern. On the morning of the 24th, the township office urgently deployed heavy equipment to the site to begin the process of righting the tree. The tree has now been uprighted, and after discussions with the landowner, the slope is planned to be extended 1 to 1.5 meters into the rice field. After receiving advice from Dr. Yamashita, the final slope work and soil backfilling will be completed.
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