A 1,300-year-old walnut tree was recently discovered in Xigaze in the southern part of Tibet Autonomous Region, southwest China.

The 15-meter-tall tree, with a tree trunk diameter of over three meters and a crown of 866.6 square meters, is found on a hillside adjacent to Huda village in Xigaze city.

The boldness, luxuriance and beauty of the tree stunned the botanists. Experts say this tree is rare in that it has stood intact against drastic climatic changes over the years.

Local residents say it yields 500 kilos of walnuts every year. It was allegedly planted a king of the Tibetan Tubo Kingdom (629 A.D.-840 A.D.).

To make full use of its value, the city plans to develop it as a tourist resort. A highway leading to the resort has been built and other auxiliary facilities are under construction.

(Xinhua News Agency July 27, 2005)