In an effort to spruce up the city's dazzling canals, Saigon may soon receive a brand new grove of coconut trees.
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According to Tuoi Tre, the Vietnam Coconut Association (VCA) is currently proposing the planting of thousands of coconut trees along Saigon's newer streets and canal-side roads.
Coconut trees, the VCA argues, are an especially rain- and storm-resistant species, not to mention a fruit-bearing tree. By planting one every five meters along the 500 kilometers of canal-side roads in the city, Saigon can enjoy up to 100,000 coconut trees, the organization says, making the city a little greener.
But it doesn't end there: in addition to providing shade and much-needed plant life, the VCA believes Saigon's coconut trees could even earn a little cash for the city, as Saigon's urban gardening organization could potentially rake in additional income from coconut sales.
Opponents of the proposal, however, argue that coconut trees could lead to fatal accidents, since the falling fruit has been known to cause deaths. The VCA has suggested running a trial program along District 8's Tau Hu Canal, noting that it can also provide fruit-free trees, if desired.
