A lemon-scented gum planted in Tangjiawan by legendary Peking opera great Mei Lanfang has been designated a Heritage Tree.

Mei was a guest at Gongleyuan Park (Exquisite Yamadate) -- private garden of the first premier of the Republic of China, Tong Shao Yi (Tang Shaoyi) -- when he planted the tree in 1931.

Lemon-scented gum planted by Mei Lanfang

The Zhuhai National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone (Tangjiawan) released a catalogue of 1,216 ancient, century-old or heritage trees in the area, which fall into 77 species, 56 genus, and 34 families, to strengthen protection.

On the list is one heritage tree, one first-class ancient tree, eight second-class, and 1,206 third-class century-old trees in the zone. Most of them are tropical and subtropical specimens and grow in the Tangjiawan, Yongfeng, Huitong, Guantang, Beisha, and Xiashan communities. 

The only first-class ancient tree in the zone is a small-leaved banyan tree (ficus concinna) next to Yinxi Temple in Yinxing Community of Tangjiawan Town. It is said to have been planted by a clan leader when the village was built as a marker for his descendants. 

Small-leaved banyan tree (ficus concinna) [Photos courtesy Zhuhai National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone] 

In China, only trees that are more than 100 years old are considered ancient. First-class ancient trees are more than 500 years old. Second- and third-class trees are aged between 300 and 499, and 100 and 299 years respectively.

There are no age restrictions for heritage trees, which however receive the same protection as first-class ancient trees. They can be rare species, have scientific and research value, or be of historic, cultural, or commemorative significance.