Author: Yao Shunxi (Photography) / Wang Menglong (Editing)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-01-01
Features:
Ficus, a type of tree. Evergreen, native to tropical regions, with tall trunks and branches that grow from the trunk and roots from the branches, casting a vast shadow. Fuzhou, also known as Rongcheng or Ronghai, is a nickname for Fuzhou. During the Zhiping era of the Song Dynasty, Fuzhou was extensively planted with Ficus trees, hence the name (from Ciyuan Dictionary). It is reported that there are over 1,000 species of Ficus worldwide. Among them, Fujian has 25 species, with the White Ficus and Red Ficus being the most beautiful. My hometown, Fuzhou, is the birthplace of Ficus, boasting nationally renowned ancient Ficus trees in 25 varieties, with the White Ficus and Red Ficus being the most beautiful. Fuzhou is the hometown of Ficus, home to numerous ancient Ficus trees. Currently, there are six Ficus trees over a thousand years old, over 370 trees over a hundred years old, and countless younger ones, truly earning the name "Ronghai." Fuzhou, known as "Rongcheng" since the Tang and Song dynasties, is the main cultivation and distribution center for Ficus trees in China and the primary production area for White Ficus. Historical records show that Fuzhou has had a history of planting Ficus trees for over 1,250 years. Approximately 940 years ago, Cai Xiang, then the governor of Fuzhou, ordered the planting of Ficus trees along the roadsides in the twelve subordinate counties of Fuzhou, stretching from the Daxiyi ferry outside Fuzhou to Quanzhou and Zhangzhou. This was the first large-scale planting of Ficus trees in ancient Fuzhou. In the fourth year of the Zhiping era of the Song Dynasty, Zhang Boyu, the governor of Fuzhou, ordered the planting of Ficus trees. Not only did he personally plant Ficus trees in front of his office, but he also ordered households to plant them. Afterward, Fuzhou became "covered in green shadows, with no need for umbrellas in offices." Ficus trees can live for a long time but often die due to natural disasters or human misfortune. For example, near Mazjiang's Luoxing Tower, a Ficus tree grows by clinging to the wall. Its aerial roots span 8 meters in length and width, covering an area of over 60 square meters. The aerial roots weave freely across the wall, forming a breathtaking mural. People erected a stone tablet inscribed with "Ficus Root Mural" in front of it. Unfortunately, the typhoon "Feiyang" in August this year destroyed it. However, Ficus trees possess strong vitality and high adaptability. Even if a Ficus tree falls on a slope, it will stubbornly grow into a new, majestic form, creating a new scenic spot. I praise the vitality of Ficus trees. The new-old alternation of Ficus trees allows us to see both withered trunks and tender new ones on ancient Ficus trees. The aerial roots of Ficus trees continue to grow, either taking root in the ground or wrapping around old trunks and growing wildly. Over time, new aerial roots become thick and replace the withered main trunks, supporting a large canopy. Ficus trees can also grow numerous pendant, vine-like aerial roots from their branches, which grow vertically into the ground and take root, becoming pillar roots that support the main trunk and extend the canopy. This allows a single tree to grow into a forest, shading an area of several acres. I also praise the plasticity of Ficus trees in their growth, creating numerous unique landscapes. These growth characteristics are not possessed by other tree species. Ficus trees create various wonders and scenic spots, forming diverse artistic shapes. From an artist's perspective, I have captured these moments in my lens, hoping to share the beauty, strength, and majesty of Ficus trees with my friends. Regarding all of this, my humble brush cannot fully describe or depict it. I invite readers to experience it through this book.