A nearly 100-year old elm has sprouted new leaves after being split in two by fierce winds, to the surprise of nearby residents as this is the second time the elm has escaped death.

The elm is in Xiangfang Park in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.

It was hit by lightning in 1987, and toppled to the ground with only one-third of its roots left in the earth, according to park sources.

"Everyone believed the elm would die, but no one would give up on it," said Tian Liqun, park director. Workers pruned its broken branches and cleaned the "wound," in the hope a miracle might occur.

The "dead" tree came back to life putting out new leaves, which turned the 100-year old fallen elm into a key landmark in the park.

Recently, however, gales split the elm in half. Garden workers took it for granted the tree would die, and fenced it up to make it into a bonsai.

But a few days later new leaves sprouted on the elm. After examining it, experts found the tree could still live since its branches were able to get enough water and nutriments.

Many residents feel a special affection for the tree. Wang Xuehai, who lives nearby, said the elm had been a companion for nearly 40 years. "I played with my pals around the tree when I was still a teenager. I'm very happy to find it's still alive."

(Xinhua News Agency August 13, 2002)