樹下的故事

看到詹志勇教授的電郵
關於開心公園的大樹
像收到老朋友要離去的消息

不同年代
這棵樹下
發生過不少故事

那些... 在HKU渡過的
最好的時光

我在樹下的故事
會永遠在腦中
我相信你也會好好記著吧 :P

P.S.
孖中的婚宴上
鬼仔(其實已經是鬼佬)問我地點解仲可以咁好
......
我也不知道
不過...好窩心


Message from Professor C Y Jim

The Candlenut Tree (Aleurites moluccana) located between the Main Library and Knowles Building

Dear Alumni,
One of the finest large trees remaining on campus is the Candlenut Tree (Aleurites moluccana) located between the Main Library and Knowles Building. Having witnessed the vicissitudes in its environs and accompanied us for about four decades, it has become an iconic campus landmark.
Therefore, it is with regret I have to inform you that it has been found to be extremely hazardous, with a high risk of sudden collapse.
In March this year, fungal fruiting bodies began to appear and some of the bark fell off to expose the badly rotted wood underneath. A sonic tomography test established that the trunk has been invaded by wood-decay fungi that penetrate from the surface and grow towards the centre.
All efforts from the Estates Office staff to counter the invasion could not stop the spread of the decay. A second sonic tomography and digital microdrill, both above and below the soil line, confirmed that the decay had spread notably and the trunk base has begun to develop internal cavities. The prognosis is that the decay will further advance to destroy the remaining wood in the lower trunk and trunk base. There is no hope of a recovery.
As the trunk could snap without warning, even without a strong wind, the chance of the toppled tree hitting someone is too high to be acceptable. The area has been cordoned off since Thursday afternoon as a necessary precaution.
It is felt that it is irresponsible to keep such an unsafe tree with a very high probability of collapse in a busy part of our campus. Based on scientific evidence and the risk to life and property, it is recommended that it should be felled by HKU in an orderly manner without delay.
It will be a great pity to lose the tree as members of the HKU family, including our alumni, may have a sentimental attachment to this lovely living landmark. But the plaza will not remain treeless as there is enough room for a large replacement tree to be planted.
The suggested replacement is one of the most stunning Asian flowering trees, the Cassia javanica var. indochinensis (Pink-and-White Shower; the Chinese name is節果決明; previously known as Cassia nodosa). I attach two photos showing this tree, together with one of its attractive flowers, which appear in spring. The tree will grow to a final height of about 15 m and crown spread of 15 m.
It will offer an extremely enchanting signature tree for our campus and a welcoming shade for future generations of students.
The University will announce when the planting of the new tree will take place and all will be welcome to view it.
Professor CY JimChair Professor of Geography
(To view photos of our tree, please visit http://www.hku.hk/cpao/treegallery.html)