Unexpectedly, the 'silent soldier' ​​protected the Spratly Islands

Heliotropium foertherianum (Heliotropium foertherianum) is a native plant species found in islands and tropical coastal areas stretching from the island of Madagascar on the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia and the islands of Oceania.

This is a small woody plant, an average of 3-6m high, with green leaves all year round, often growing in sandy areas.

Some ancient maple trees can reach a height of 10-15m.

Flower maple three small 5mm, white, grow into a bunch of branches.

The fruit has a circle about 5-8mm in diameter, green, yellow or brown when old.

Phong ba is a very slow growing tree, mature trees after 10 years only 3-4m high. (Photo: Internet)

Because trees can withstand stormy winds, saltwater and can live well on coral sand, they are often planted on islands and coastal areas to block the wind, fixing sand.

In addition, the maple leaves can be used to treat sea snake bites.

In Vietnam, the maple tree grows naturally in many islands such as Con Co (Quang Tri), Con Dao, Bai Canh (Ba Ria-Vung Tau), Truong Sa archipelago (Khanh Hoa) .

Along with the square, the maple tree is considered a symbolic image on the Spratly Islands of Vietnam. (Photo: Internet)