Goodbye, Banyan Tree

A banyan tree does not use pollen and seed but procreates when its branches grow downward which when in contact with the ground develop roots and a new trunk. This way, banyan trees can grow outwards into an area 1 acre or more in size.



But progress has caught up with the banyan tree at the Queenstown MRT station. There is works to install a lift and the tree, which is easily estimated to be 50 years old is considered obstructing access.



So its rather sad to see a heritage as old as Queenstown being removed.


Note the total diameter, and the numbers of trunks. The chinese call the banyan tree, "seng chiu".


And there is also an altar for Datok and Earth God under the tree set up by workers during construction of the MRT station in 1984. According to long time residents, a cobra is known and seen to reside inside the trunks.