"The Guardian of Time" Cracks in Taiz: Yemen's 2,000-Year-Old Tree Battles for Survival

Arare ecological treasure in Yemen is under threat. The iconic Ghareeb Tree, located in the Al-Shamayateen district of Taiz governorate, southwest Yemen, partially collapsed last April, triggering alarm among environmentalists and cultural preservationists across the country.

Scientifically known as "Adansonia digitata," the tree is a type of Baobab, believed to be over 2,000 years old. With a trunk circumference of 35 meters, a diameter of about 8 meters, and a height of 16 meters, the tree has long stood as a cultural symbol, deeply embedded in Yemeni folklore and poetry.

On April 21, a large portion of the tree split and fell, revealing a deep cavity inside. Authorities attributed the incident to long-term neglect and insufficient watering during the winter. The event spurred immediate efforts to rescue the tree.

Journalist and environmental activist Moath al-Maqatari launched the campaign "Together to Save the Guardian of Time," partnering with agricultural and environmental experts. Their analysis revealed extensive internal fungal and bacterial decay, severe water infiltration, and infestations of white ants, all of which weakened the tree's structural integrity.

By early June, restoration efforts began, involving removal of decayed wood, sterilization, sealing of cracks with organic materials, and a new irrigation plan. Concrete barriers around the roots were dismantled to stimulate natural growth, and special care was given to a small sapling nearby, considered the tree's heir.

Maqatari emphasized that the goal extends beyond saving the tree — he aims to register it on UNESCO's World Heritage List. "The Ghareeb Tree is not just a tree," he said. "It is a living document of global natural heritage."

Once a destination for tourists, poets, and locals before Yemen's civil war, the Ghareeb Tree has since suffered from neglect and environmental degradation. Activists now call for urgent international action to protect Yemen's oldest living monument.

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