24 June 2010

Arboretum and Timor-Leste finally collide in Chiefly climax

| johnboy
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Chief Minister Jon Stanhope has announced that he’s been able to combine his two great loves, Timor-Leste and his Arboretum:

Chief Minister Jon Stanhope has today [yesterday] joined His Excellency Dr José Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, to plant a Melia azedarach, commonly known as a White cedar, in the Central Valley of the National Arboretum.

The White cedar, a native species to Timor-Leste, joins a growing number of trees planted by visiting dignitaries and leaders from around the world and symbolises Canberra’s connection with each of the countries represented.

Throw in rubbing shoulders with a Nobel peace prize winner and it’s no wonder it took a day to get the media release out.

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It doesn’t say Melia azedarach is endemic to Timor-Leste. This species is also native to Australia and no doubt the plant was sourced locally. White cedars are one of the few deciduous tree species native to Australia and there are plenty of them in Canberra gardens.

I’ve been rather ho hum about the Arboretum, but lately riding though there I’ve started to appreciate the sheer scale of the place. 50 separated stands of trees that could support 50 weddings! That some trees won’t have matured in my lifetime only makes it more awesome.

I wonder if this plant was declared to quarantine when he entered the country?

On a more positive note, I think its kind of cool having an area like this to have symbolic trees from various nations. Sure beats some ugly concrete or metal structure that no-one likes. I wonder if he’ll take a Eucalypt or Wattle plant back home?

Some people collect coins and stamps, our chiefly one just obviously likes collecting trees.

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