When the sky turns crystal blue in August, most of limestone islands on Ha Long Bay see the booming of like-red- dot flowers. Sightseeing the world heritage site on these days, tourists’ eyes are caught by them, assuming those must be red flowers but actually fruits of a floral species.
Sang (scientific nomenclature Sterculia lanceolata Cav) or is also called Thang by locals. The tree season is from April to July, and fruits ripen between Aug and Oct. The pink flowers grow in clusters; when ripening, fruits will turn to red, bloom and reveal shiny black nuts. Sang is easily spotted on Bo Hon Island, Bu Xam Zone.
Not being listed as one of 17 endemic species on Ha Long Bay, neither precious nor so beautiful, Sang’s bright redness prettifies Ha Long Bay and attracts attention.
Neither as gorgeous as yellow paphiopedilum nor lovely as clerodendrum thomsoniae, and not as fragrant as bauhinia acuminate, however, Sang is useful as it is exploited to make medicines and create highlights for Ha Long Bay.
The appearance of Sang on limestone islands contributes to increasing the bio-diversity of the world heritage Ha Long Bay as well as creating the uniqueness of the natural landscape and attract tourists to Ha Long.
Translated by Dao Linh
