One of the coral trees on the Register of Old & Valuable Trees has been cut down because it had no chance of recovery, the Leisure & Cultural Services Department says.

The department today said the tree was located in San Po Kong. Although it did not pose immediate danger, most of its leaves had fallen and it had lost its aesthetic value.

In the past few days the department has inspected four coral trees on the register. Apart from the one being felled, the other three are located in San Po Kong, Victoria Park and North District. They are all affected by Erythrina Gall wasps, but the problem is under control after applying insecticide. The department will continue to monitor their condition closely.

The department has also completed inspection of two big coral trees in Southorn Playground. They are not on the register. They are affected by the wasp, but their condition is under control after applying insecticide.