A historic coconut tree in Tonga, known for its unusually rare formation of three large branches, has been reported as poisoned following new concerns raised today.
The tree at Haʻamea beside Liahona High School — long admired for its unusual shape — first caused alarm last year when residents discovered a deliberate cut near its roots, an apparent attempt to kill it.
According to reports received this afternoon, fresh signs of chemical poisoning are now visible around the base of the tree, suggesting a renewed and intentional effort to destroy it.
Fe‘ofa‘aki Hamala, who reported the latest incident on Facebook, said the attack on the tree reflects a troubling mindset.
“Only in Tonga where hate is normal. Someone poisoned one of our cherished landmarks. It’ll be dead in the next two months. One head is already dead and brown from a ring they gouged around the base to inject with poison,” Hamala wrote, expressing frustration at what appears to be a deliberate attempt to destroy the iconic coconut tree.
Community members were outraged when last year’s attempted killing of the tree was first reported.
Witnesses who photographed the first attempt to kill the tree said it appeared that chemicals had been poured around its roots.
Following that incident, the damaged section was later covered with tin to protect the carved‑out area.
The motive behind the repeated attempts to destroy the tree remains unknown.
