In full bloom: Hundreds of tecoma trees with its pink, white and purple flowers can be seen along the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway in Penang. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Waves of pink, white and soft purple flowers are now a feast for shutterbugs and people seeking “Instagrammable moments” as the tecoma flowers are blooming throughout the state.
The tecoma, lovingly called Penang Sakura due to its similarities to the popular cherry blossom, is a huge attraction – with photographers launching drones to capture the beauteous scenery before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Photograph enthusiasts need not fly to Japan for the breathtaking pictures of sakura blossom, as they can now enjoy the same fairytale-land atmosphere here in Penang with the streets decorated with millions of these flowers.
Recognising the aesthetic appeal of tecoma, the local authorities have been planting the trees in large scale around the state, which has nearly 10,000 trees including 3,000 in Seberang Prai district.
In Nibong Tebal, in the southern part of Seberang Prai, well away from the usual tourist haunts, the transient burst of white, purple and pink by the roadside brings joy to the locals.
Carpets of the falling flowers also make common scenes on the island especially in Batu Ferringhi, Sungai Ara, Bayan Baru and Relau, as well as at the grounds of Universiti Sains Malaysia.
The tecoma, which has a short flowering season that usually takes place between February and April, began blooming on the island last week and this burst of soft, peaceful colours is expected to end by this week.
Although wildly popular, the tecoma tree is not native to Malaysia. It originates from South and Central America.
In full bloom: Hundreds of tecoma trees with its pink, white and purple flowers can be seen along the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway in Penang. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
