The Weeping Willows of Christchurch

On a rock in Victoria Square in Christchurch, NZ is affixed this plaque, which commemorates Francois Le Lievre. The plaque reads, “To commemorate Francois Le Lievre who first came to New Zealand on the French whaling ship ‘Le Nil’ in 1838, after landing in Akaroa he planted weeping willow cuttings taken from Napoleon’s grave on the Island of St. Helena. There is strong evidence to suggest that the first willows planted on the banks of the Avon River grew from cuttings taken from these trees.” This plaque was erected in 2001 and despite being devastated by earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, the willow trees, and this plaque in Christchurch still remain.
Victoria Square
Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
-43.528237, 172.635127