On Friday 13 October 2017, Mr Michael Pettersson MLA, Member for Yerrabi, joined His Excellency Mr Issoufou Mahamadou, President of the Republic of Niger, to plant a Cercis siliquastrum (Mediterranean red bud) in the Central Valley of the National Arboretum Canberra.
Cercis siliquastrum, the Mediterranean red bud, is a small deciduous tree with profous deep pink flowers and grey bark. The leaves are heart-shaped and appear shortly after the first flowers emerge. Height 12m Spread 10m.
Ceremonial trees planted from around the world
The National Arboretum Canberra is home to over 44,000 trees from more than one hundred nations. Many Australian and international leaders and public figures have planted ceremonial trees at the National Arboretum, including Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge; His Excellency Jose Ramos-Horta, President of the Republic of Timor-Leste; renowned Australian author, Mr Thomas Keneally and Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark.
Through ceremonial tree plantings and other special events, the National Arboretum Canberra builds partnerships with local, national and international organisations, individuals and communities to further its role in global tree conservation and research.