Yellow flowering trees in March

Yellow Flame (Peltophorum pterocarpum)

This year (2015) the Yellow Flame started to flower profusely around Bintulu town.  These trees were planted since the mid 80's in Bintulu.  Majority were planted around the Dewan Suarah roads and  the Persiaran Pantai Temasya or the Pantai Temasya Drive especially areas near to the Taman Tumbina.

Showy golden flowers at Bintulu roadsides

 About 10 years ago the Golden Penda was introduced into the Bintulu landscape.  Since then this medium-sized tree has been conspiciously added to many other areas of the Kidurong town as well.  The Golden Penda or Xanthostemon chrysanthus belong the family Myrataceae or the Myrtle family.  Another tree that is well used as a landscaping tree in Bintulu belonging  to the same family is the Eugenia oleina.  The masses of showy golden flowers are produced intermittently.  Here are more pictures taken in late December 2014.  In January 2015 these same trees still continue to exhibit flowering.

Golden Penda - Xanthostemon chrysanthus

Town landscaping...topiary using Ixora sunkist

A Tree Much Wanting in Bintulu

It surprises me why this lovely tree is not planted all over Bintulu. I saw this stand at Medan Raya shopping area today. The Coral Tree ( Erythrina) has brilliant scarlet flowers that stay long on the tree. As such it is a useful tree to grow in areas where you want to see colours everyday. Having not seen one for a while now especially one that is flowering, I took a lot of close up shots of its flowers. A few are shown here. Notice the bean-like pods that contain ripe seeds below.

If you are to visit most hotels and resorts this tree is usually seen in their landscaping design. I guess most landscapers love its red bunchy flowers that envelop the tree. Further I think choice is determined by its growth characteristics. It is slow growing and suitable for places near water bodies where you can watch the dark green leaves and flowers touch the water surface and reflecting its brilliant colours. We need more such trees in Bintulu.