Section 83: Malaysian “Sakura”---Tabebuia rosea
In March, as I drove from Kuala Lumpur to Bahau, I could see among the greens, shiny golden Tabebuia rosea flowers in full bloom along Juasseh Road. They were really splendid. Clusters of the flowers swayed when the wind blew, as though they were showing off their glamorous beauty. I suddenly realized that we have entered the blooming season. While we were envious of the Sakura (also known as cherry blossoms ) in Japan in April, now we could also see the beauty of the blooming Tabebuia rosea flowers in Bahau.
Tabebuia rosea is known as “The Malaysian Sakura”. It was imported in 1999. The Menteri Besar of N. Sembilan, Dato’ Seri Utama Tan Sri Hj Mohd Isa , in promoting the Tabebuia rosea had stipulated that all districts in the state should plant Tabebuia rosea. This type of flowering plants would bear flowers in a few years after planting. In Bahau, when Kiara Square Shopping Centre was developed, it was also the first to plant Tabebuia rosea along the roadsides at the shopping centre.
Every year in March, during the interchange of North-East monsoon with the South- West Monsoon, Tabebuia rosea blast out in full bloom with beautiful flowers flourishing everywhere in Bahau. One can find this splendid scenery along the roadside of Jalan Juasseh, near Sek. Men. Datuk Mansur, opposite of Taman So Nam, Lake Garden, town center, bus station, Parks, Industrial areas, Ladang Geddes, Batu Kikir main road and Taman Recreation Prince. Indeed, although the trees are not big, they are fully over by flowers.
Bahau Lake Garden has the most of Tabebuia rosea. Each time after rain, different colors of the flowers fall off and cover the ground like florist carpets, and yet light fragrance of the flowers remaining in air. During this season, big crowds of people would come in the morning and evening to take photos to show off their respective charms in Facebook.
Intially, the Tabebuia rosea in Bahau Lake Garden had little attention but now it has gone viral on social media and subsequently become internet celebrity. It becomes famous overnight. More and more people come to visit the park, enjoy the scenery and take pictures. If you wish to join the crowd, visit the scenic part of Bahau between Marh and early September each year.
Drinking flower tea after admiring the flowers is a perfect way of unwinding. However, it is rather a pity that the blooming period of the gorgeous Tabebuia rosea flower lasts just over a week. In just a few days, clusters and clusters of fallen flowers cover the ground creating floral carpet yet it is a poignant scene instead.
Unlike cities, there are no high-rise buildings in Bahau. All it has are an inheritance of cultural history and its flora and fauna. On the other hand, it is a blessing in disguise for Bahau residents. Go let’s enjoy the scenery of beautiful blossoms of Tabebuia rosea while it lasts.