Republic of Seychelles - Date plum


On Tuesday 23 August 2011, The President of the Republic of Seychelles, His Excellency Mr James Alix Michel, joined the Chair of the Governing Board of the National Arboretum Canberra, Mr John Mackay, in planting a Date plum (Diospyros lotus) in the Central Valley.

The Date plum is a small, deciduous tree native to the Middle East and South Asia. It bears attractive, bright orange fruits in autumn and is closely related to the Persimmon. The tree has smooth grey bark and glossy, dark green foliage that turns gold before leaf fall.

The tree joins those planted by other visiting Heads of State and Heads of Government from New Zealand, Hungary, Bulgaria, Botswana, Maldives, Timor-Leste, Mongolia and Samoa.

“As the Arboretum continues to develop, the Central Valley will undoubtedly be one of features that will fascinate visitors,” said Mr Mackay.

Official Photographs

His Excellency Mr James Alix Michel

His Excellency Mr James Alix Michel and Mr John Mackay

His Excellency Mr James Alix Michel, Mr John Mackay and Curator Adam Burgess.

His Excellency Mr James Alix Michel and Mr John Mackay.

His Excellency Mr James Alix Michel and Mr John Mackay.

His Excellency Mr James Alix Michel and guests leaving the National Arboretum.