KUALA NERUS: The “dead” trees have come back to life, finally. Residents here are happy to note that the three controversial trees — silk-floss (ceiba speciosa) — allegedly procured by a contractor for RM180,000 each as a landmark for the new township in Kuala Nerus, have adapted to local soil and weather conditions.
They said the trees, which were once thought to have died and waiting to be chopped down, were producing branches and leaves.
Two months ago, the trees shed its leaves and this gave passers-by the impression that it was just a matter of time before they died.
Ahmad Anuar Ismail, 23, from Gong Badak, said the trees were not native to the country and he was worried they might not survive the first six months of planting.
“When all the leaves went missing in May, I thought that was it. When I passed by the trees last week and saw them growing well, was surprised,” he said.
Faez Alias, 38, from Bukit Tunggal, said he was worried at first because the bulging trunks gave the impression that the trees were not stable.
“Everytime it rained heavily in the area, I wondered if the trees would fall. I think the trees are rooted firmly and acclimatised to the soil and weather. Now, I can’t wait to see the trees blooming,” he said.
The trees had courted controversy in January, forcing the Terengganu Public Works Department (PWD) to deny any wrongdoing in the landscaping project in Bandar Baru Kuala Nerus.
State PWD director Abdul Hamid Md Daud said no public funds were used in the trees’ purchase, adding that the trees were brought from Brazil and financed by a main contractor in the new township’s development.
Ceiba speciosa is a species of deciduous trees native to the tropical and subtropical forests of South America, especially Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil.
It has local common names, such as palo borracho (meaning “drunken stick” in Spanish). The tree can grow up to 12m in height, with its trunk having a two-metre girth.