By Nagham Khazaal | Campus Reporter
When you first set foot on the campus of the American University of Beirut (AUB), you’re immediately enchanted by its natural beauty. The campus is covered in green, and there are trees that have been standing there for decades. Their presence adds to the charm of the surroundings, creating a peaceful environment where students can lie under the shadows of these trees, study, relax, and enjoy the mesmerizing views. Birds have made these trees their permanent home, filling the air with their beautiful songs. As you wander through our university campus, you can’t help but notice how the sun shines through the gaps in the leaves creating patterns of light and shadow, how the breeze causes the leaves to sway gracefully when the weather is windy, or how the raindrops glisten on the leaves after the rain. Those magnificent trees date back to the university’s founding and stand as silent witness of history and heritage, each with its own unique story to tell. They come from all over the world, bringing with them a rich diversity of cultures and nature. From the grand oaks to the vibrant jacaranda, these trees hold tales of the past, present, and future of our university. Let’s explore the fascinating stories and natural beauty hidden within our campus trees.
Upon founding AUB in 1866, Daniel Bliss took the initiative to plant the trees that would establish the campus’s boundaries. By 1903, campus greening had become an integral part of the University’s mission statement. Administrators emphasized the importance of systematically developing the campus through gardens, tree planting, and botanical gardens. Despite the presence of some vegetation, such as a large prickly-leaved oak near the Lee Observatory and several carob trees, the campus was mostly characterized by sparse, rocky terrain. Transitioning to a green campus proved challenging, with the harsh ground requiring holes to be chiseled out of solid rock for tree planting, as reported by an Outlook reporter in 1953. In the 1960s, Grace Kirkwood, landscape architect and wife of former AUB President Samuel Kirkwood, worked with George Battikha, former municipal director of parks and gardens, to enhance the campus grounds. They introduced trees and shrubs from China and South Africa, diversifying the campus’s flora. Another pivotal figure in this transition was AUB Professor of Chemistry W. A. West, who played a significant role in the campus’s greening efforts. He took personal responsibility for curating the campus greenery, even cutting down trees when necessary to maintain visibility of the sea from different parts of campus. Landmark trees on campus arrived through various means and at different times
In 1991, late AUB Professor Charles Abou-Chaar highlighted the diverse international nature of the campus in an AUB Bulletin, mentioning trees like the Australian Grevillea, Brazil’s Jacaranda, Bolivia’s Tipu tree, South Africa’s Coral tree, and India’s Banyan tree, among others. The campus boasts a wide variety of trees, including species from Australia, Madagascar, India, Indonesia, West Asia, South Europe, and Lebanon. Let’s dive in, focus on nine popular trees at AUB, and unravel the stories behind them.
First and foremost, the Palestine Oak, as noted by Professor West, predates the establishment of AUB, with the large prickly-leaved oak near the Observatory already thriving on site. Professor West collected acorns from this venerable tree and subsequently planted them across various areas of the campus, focusing particularly between the library and the chemistry laboratory. Distinguished by its leaves adorned with irregular, spiny edges, this oak serves as a distinctive feature within the university’s landscape. He also introduced Arizona cypress trees in 1923. Another tree is the carob tree. The oldest carob tree, planted around 1880 near the Old Pharmacy building, faced adversity in 1964 when it was hit by a powerful storm. However, despite being cut down, a branch managed to sprout from the stump, and the tree continues to thrive today. Similarly, the carob tree located behind Jafet Library, also planted in 1880, persevered through road construction activities and has been carefully pruned to create a protective barrier along the roadside.
Moreover, Banyan trees, originated from India, hold the distinction of being the national tree of the country. These trees are estimated to be first introduced to AUB sometime between 1873 and 1880, according to the late AUB professor of pharmacy Charles Abou-Chaar. The Banyan trees at AUB serve as iconic natural landmarks within the campus grounds and planted near key buildings such as Assembly Hall, West Hall, Jessup Hall, and the Observatory. In the 1950s, Texas mountain laurels were planted adjacent to the Pharmacy Building. This drought-tolerant tree’s compact size and growth pattern make it well-suited for landscaping, particularly due to its striking purple flowers. Interestingly, it’s been reported that the beans of this tree are utilized by certain Native American tribes for their hallucinogenic properties.
Furthermore, AUB alumnus Henry Glocker brought a large eucalyptus tree also known as the River Red Gum from Jerusalem in 1911. The grand tree adjacent to the Assembly Hall has a fascinating origin story: it was transported in a biscuit tin all the way from Jerusalem. Remarkably, extracts from its trunk or leaves serve as a source for natural dyes, offering a spectrum of colors ranging from yellow and orange to green, tan, chocolate, and deep rust red. Additionally, the Sycamore Tree at AUB holds a special significance as it stands as the sole representative of its species on campus, necessitating its relocation for preservation purposes. This iconic tree has even inspired the naming of a well-known street in Beirut. Native to Africa, specifically regions south of the Sahel and north of the Tropic of Capricorn, excluding central-west rainforest areas, the Ficus sycomorus species boasts a unique presence within the university’s landscape.
Besides, the Jacaranda tree, nestled within Marquand House, holds historical significance as it was planted by AUB’s first President, Daniel Bliss. Known for its breathtaking lavender-blue blossoms, this ornamental tree is a beloved feature in urban landscapes worldwide. Notably fast-growing and resilient, it has the remarkable ability to readily re-sprout even when damaged. Likewise, the Silk Oak trees, meticulously planted in 1931 by Mr. Serlis on the terraces overlooking Marquand House, are a captivating addition to the landscape. During the spring season, these majestic trees burst into bloom, adorning the surroundings with flowers abundant in nectar. Their sweet nectar serves as a magnet for birds and fruit bats, enhancing the natural beauty and biodiversity of the area.
Last but not least, the Flamboyant Tree which is located at the end of the green oval holds a special place in the landscape, having been planted by W. West. Notably, this tree sheds its leaves during the winter months, only to burst into vibrant red flamboyant flowers in the summer once the leaves reappear. Resilient and adaptable, the tree showcases tolerance to drought, salty water, and urban pollution. Remarkably, during the renovation of the green field, this tree emerged as the sole survivor, standing as a testament to its strength and endurance.
To sum it up, the trees adorning AUB’s campus are more than just greenery—they’re living reminders of our university’s history and resilience. From the acorns planted by Professor W. A. West to the exotic specimens introduced by Grace Kirkwood, each tree has its own story to tell. They represent and reflect the diversity of AUB’s community as well. Let’s treasure these arboreal wonders for the beauty they bring and the legacy they represent.
Reference:
- Interactive Map : https://150.aub.edu.lb/places/map/2
- The origins and future of AUB’s Green Campus (Botanic Garden History) – AUBotanic