The resemblance is uncanny. A knot of wood, running the whole height and through the reach of the branches on an Aleppo Pine looks like the body of the crucified Jesus Christ.

The tree, it seems, has fallen victim to erosion and time. Its roots were exposed during a storm last winter and the tree deteriorated very quickly to the state it is in today. Efforts were made to prop the tree up after gravity induced a pronounced tilt, but to no avail - it is about to collapse.

The tree had something of an iconic status. Locals looked out for it driving by, tourists even stopped to take photographs of it on the way to Mdina. More than anything, the whole thing looks like a modern interpretation of the crucifixion in an African style carving. Artists would have a hard time reproducing what nature produced on this occasion.

So, what is to be done about it? The Ministry of Resources and Rural Affairs, the Environment and Landscape Consortium and the Rabat local council are aware of the plight of the tree as all have worked together in an effort to save it. Difficult, one imagines, when the roots of the tree must have been forced through the asphalt service. The road, and its contours, were designed years ago, and let us just say that foresight was probably not in mind when foundations were laid, and trees were planted.

The first thing that must be said is that if the tree has died, or if there is no chance of saving it, then it should be carefully removed and sheltered from the coming autumn and winter storms. Experts say that the tree’s support system will likely give way, so those involved really need to move fast.

Rightly so, the Rabat local council will want to stake a claim for the tree. Obviously, it will be used as some sort of religious shire - and rightly so. What we sometimes forget is that our present will soon be our history. Items such as these should not be left to rot, it is already a curious attraction in itself, while some go further and say it is a religious phenomenon. One can only wonder as to how it might be regarded in the future, displayed as it should be.

Some believe that the ‘representation’ of Christ on the tree is linked to the many deaths on the road, which was once a death trap, in that He watched over motorists as they drove by. So perhaps another idea is in order. A sculpture, out of a full length of wood, should be designed in likeness to the ‘Crucifix Tree’ and placed at the site once the tree is removed.

For far too long, in this country, we have left things too late. We have started to try to painfully restore our environment and we are making inroads in saving our centuries old architecture. But we must understand that if we are to bring about a change in mindset, then we must also work on the micro level in situations such as this one.

The tree means something to many people. It would be stupid to lose it and if something is not done about it and quickly, it is very likely to get damaged.