A nearly 50-year-old bael (Aegle marmelos) tree in Shaplapur of Moheshkhali upazila, Cox’s Bazar, continues to bear an abundant crop of fruit each season, standing as a remarkable example of the area’s natural heritage.
In Bangladesh, people widely enjoy the refreshing taste of bael juice during the summer, making it a popular seasonal fruit.
According to local residents, the tree has long been a familiar landmark in the area and has consistently produced large quantities of fruit over the decades.
Local resident and landowner Raihan Sobhan said he had seen the tree since his childhood and that it produced a heavy yield every year.
“I believe the tree is more than 50 years old. There used to be several more bael trees here, but some were destroyed by cyclones, while others had to be cut down for practical reasons,” he said.
Despite decades of exposure to harsh weather and natural disasters, the tree continues to thrive and remains laden with fruit every season.
Residents say the ageing bael tree is not only a cherished part of local memory but also a symbol of nature’s resilience and enduring beauty.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
