Share
DIMAPUR, MAY 21 : As far as testaments, and even metaphors, for the seeds of Christianity and western education sowed by the American missionaries go – one would be hard pressed to search further than this. A litchi tree planted way back in the later 19th century that still stands magnificently old amid the lichens, moss and orchids infestation that poses a threat to its longevity.
It was in the year 1872 that Rev. Dr. & Mrs. E. W. Clark arrived in Naga soil and settled in Molungyimsen village. Thus, marking the dawn of Christianity and western education for the first time in Nagaland. In recognition of which the state government has declared the village as a Pilgrimage village
Their mission was not limited only to education and the spiritual well-being of the villagers but also expanded towards the enrichment of the village’s eco-system. The still-standing 138-year-old litchi tree that they planted in 1878 stands testimony, not just to their pioneering deeds in education and evangelism.
Records show that 4 jackfruit trees, 1 mango tree along with the litchi tree planted by the Reverend and his wife during their stay, still stands today. This ability to nurture the plants against all weather conditions at 764 m (2506 ft) above sea level, according to experts from the state Horticulture department, signifies their expertise in gardening too. These trees still bear fruits.
The state horticulture nursery, in a press statement, has however regretted that this iconic litchi tree “is not healthy” today. ”Many Christians today believe that, miraculous healing and spiritual inspiration is achieved while praying at the tree and by use of the miracle litchi leaf and fruit,” the statement read. Recently a team of experts from the State Horticulture Nursery, Dimapur was assigned by the Director of Horticulture to do propagation work on this litchi tree so that the True-to-Type planting materials can be obtained and later use for planting.
“The 138-years-old tree has many holes and crevices in the main trunk, secondary trunk and branches accompanied with lichen, moss and orchids infestation. Some of the bigger branches are wilting which can be attributed to old age and general health of the tree. The team conducted Hands-on-Demo to the villagers for cleaning, preparation of Bordeaux paste and painting.
“Bordeaux paste was prepared along with the villagers and painted the trunk after cleaning the moss, lichens and the dead wood. The team made more than 50 layering on 18th May which on successful rooting will be collected during last week July – 1st week August then this layering will be raised in secondary nurseries for planting next year,” according to the department’s report. The report informed that the main tree trunk measures 405 cm, and the 4 secondary branches as 183 cm, 213 cm, 230 cm and 175 cm each. “The spread of the canopy (branches) is east direction: 858 cm, westward: 702 cm, north direction: 827 cm and south direction: 581 cm with a height of 1279 cm. This magnificent lithci tree at Molungyimsen planted in June 1878 will probably be the oldest litchi tree still bearing fruit in our country.
“Horticulture department will undertake more trips to Molungyimsen so that this tree can be nourished, treated, protected and used for propagation. The ‘Molungyimsen Ebenezer Mission’ board, the Molungyimsen church pastor and authorities and many elders had helped and provided support to the team while conducting physical treatment to the tree, air layering and during documentation about the magnificent litchi tree,” according to the report.