In front of the cyberknife building, there is an old noticeable tree whose roots extend in the soil across the building that stands as the latest in scientific technology. The tree is a symbol for hope and life. It carries a message about the importance of linking science and technology with heritage and roots. The tree was a donation by Eng. Hani Abdel Gelil, the owner of Nabatco Company and the father of Mohamed, one of 57357’s fighters. He voluntarily offered the design and implementation of the landscape project in the Hospital’s garden.
When Dr. Sherif talked to me about his dream of putting a perennial old tree in that location, to carry a message about linking science with heritage, I liked the idea and I chose the Chorisia tree, which is a beautiful perennial and flowering tree with Egyptian origins, and native to South America. It is a tent-like tree that enables a large shady area beneath it, with beautiful delighting pink colored flowers on the outside while the inside is white like cotton. God distinguished this tree as its trunk remains green throughout its lifetime, and while it grows it takes the shape of a flask, where it gets wider at the bottom and narrower at the top. The roots are not wedge like, but of a furry consistency that wouldn’t threat the surrounding buildings, and if a branch was broken it heals by itself
The Chorisia tree we planted in the Hospital’s garden was more than 100 years old, and weighed 15 tons. It is planted in front of the cyberknife building, and I am sure it will be a source of joy and happiness for the children.