Flowers adorn trees and form a pink carpet along Jalan Tan Sri Datuk William Tan, outside MBKS office.
Trees bear pink flowers long Jalan Simpang Tiga near The Spring Shopping Mall.
Tabebuia flowers beautify roadside trees.
A tree in the old MBKS nursery bursts out in white tabebuia blooms.
KUCHING: Pink and white flowers are blooming on trees around the city, painting colourful roadside scenes for the appreciation of those who pass by.
It is a yearly occurrence, almost like the cherry blossom season in Japan.
This phenomenon has not gone unnoticed by Kuching folk who photograph the scenes which some describe as ‘Sakura flowers in Kuching’ for sharing on social media.
However, these flowers are actually called ‘tabebuia’ or ‘pink tecoma’.
According to MBKS mayor Dato James Chan Khay Syn, tabebuia is a genus of flowering plant in the family of Bignoniaceae that blooms during hot and dry days.
“It produces flowers with a tissue-like texture in colours ranging from pure white to shades of pink. They do not have any scent.
“The flowers require a distinct dry season to bloom. When the hot and dry season arrives in Kuching, particularly in the months of May to July, it will induce the trees to bloom, but not all at the same time.
“Just like the Japanese sakura, the flowers only last about a week,” he told The Borneo Post in an interview at his office yesterday.
Chan said that tabebuia can be found planted along the roadside in many MBKS areas.
“These trees have been planted 20 or more years ago. They are found along roads such as Jalan Tan Sri Datuk William Tan, Jalan Simpang Tiga, Jalan Central, Jalan Lapangan Terbang, Jalan Canna, Jalan Foochow, Jalan Stutong, Rock Road and many other areas in the city.
“The fallen petals look nice on the grass verge, but of course, I will remind our cleaners to sweep them up if there are too much on the roads.
“We have plans to plant these tabebuia trees in parks, particularly in residential areas. They add colour to the city,” he said.
Chan encouraged Kuching folk to take photos to share on social media with friends.
“I believe this is another way of promoting Kuching as a beautiful and natural city. We need to appreciate the beauty of Kuching by sharing. Nowadays, social media like Facebook is a way to send out positive messages.
“There have been many good comments about the trees. Random people come up to me to say they love the beautiful flowers in bloom. As the mayor of Kuching South, I feel very proud and happy.
“I hope the people of Kuching will continue to work with the council in maintaining the natural beauty of our city. We are truly blessed to live in Kuching,” he said.