A precious tree species of Maoshi (Taiwan ebony), which is protected under the Forest Law, was recently found cut down on the concrete walkway at the entrance of the Kenting National Forest Recreation Area. Zhang Yi 張怡, a lawyer and director of the Pingtung Environmental Protection Alliance, questioned whether the tree roots were suffocated by the concrete, and also raised concerns about the lack of ecological checks.
The Pingtung branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency explained that four years ago, the tree pit was expanded to increase aeration. However, the tree leaves gradually turned yellow and died, leading to the decision to remove it for safety reasons, which Zhang Yi found unacceptable, blaming incorrect construction methods for the tree’s demise.
Taiwan Ebony tree near park entrance in 2020
Zhang Yi said that the Maoshi tree at the entrance of the Kenting Forest Recreation Area was a precious memory for Hengchun residents and tourists. She was angry to see it surrounded by a concrete walkway years ago and had asked if the concrete could be removed during the project inspection. Recently, she found the tree ‘beheaded,’ expressing disbelief that such an incident could happen under the supervision of the forestry conservation agency. Although the project was several years old, she emphasized the need to review the process and responsibility, especially since this area is a forest bath trail, and it was ironic to lose a valuable tree at the entrance.
The Pingtung branch of the agency stated that the Maoshi tree was ancient, having been covered by a concrete surface for 30 years. Four years ago, through landscaping work, they expanded the width of the planting hole and increased its aeration. Earlier this year, the leaves of the tree gradually yellowed and then the whole tree lost its leaves. The Hengchun Research Center of the Forestry Research Institute determined that the plant had died due to brown root disease.
In July, when Typhoon Doksuri hit, a nearby almond tree and stick coconut tree fell and pressed on the already dead Maoshi, posing a risk of branches falling and injuring visitors. In September, in conjunction with the Hengchun Research Center, they removed the Maoshi, leaving about 1.5 meters of the tree trunk on-site. This was planned to be used as educational material for environmental education, explaining the symptoms of brown root disease and the gender of persimmon trees, and was cut and preserved by the Hengchun Research Center.
Ancient tree now is the firewood.
Zhang Yi noted that the tree was still alive in October 2020 (as. we can see in the photo above), but by November 2023, it was found to be ‘beheaded.’ According to relevant information, the pH value of concrete is around 12, creating a highly alkaline environment that most plants cannot survive in if the pH exceeds 8. The concrete’s impermeability and high temperature cause the tree roots to rot, eventually spreading to the trunk, leading to the tree’s death. The ecological checks at the time should also be reviewed for failing to oversee this responsibility properly.
Maoshi, also known as Taiwan ebony or Taiwan blackwood, belongs to the persimmon family. It is primarily found in the Hengchun Peninsula, Lanyu, Green Island, Guishan Island, and the Philippines. Its wood is dense and sinks in water, making it one of the precious types of ebony. The wood’s fine texture and glossy black appearance make it an excellent material for furniture and carving. It is also one of the twelve valuable tree species announced in the Forest Law and, due to its high price, is one of the species targeted by illegal loggers.