GEORGE TOWN: It’s "Sakura" season again in Penang. The tecoma, fondly called Penang Sakura because of its similarities to the popular cherry blossom, is proving to be a big hit this year.
In Penang, nearly 10,000 such trees have been planted, including 3,000 in the Seberang Perai district, and the flowers are now creating a carpet of colours on the ground, adding to the aesthetic effect.
Casey Yap, 43, was pictured taking in the beauty of the blooms in Sungai Ara on the island.
"I live in this area and go for walks at a park near the Tecoma trees.
"It is usually in season around February or March, and right now it is blooming," said the engineer.
Yap said he noticed many people coming around to take photos, but there were actually many areas in the state where the tecoma created a similar effect.
"Even I walk over sometimes to take photos as it is quite a pretty sight," he said.
The tecoma trees could also be spotted in Batu Ferringhi, Sungai Ara, Bayan Baru and Relau, as well as on the grounds of Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Meanwhile, a canal near the Darul Aman Stadium in Kedah has become a picturesque scene too as the flowers form a carpet-like pink layer on the water.
Other locations with the pink flowers in full bloom include Jalan Titi Gajah-Alor Setar, Lebuhraya Darul Aman, Jalan Gangsa, Jalan Kuala Kedah, Jalan Langgar, Jalan Lencong Barat and Jalan Yan.
The flowering of the tecoma was likely triggered by the rain which came after a period of dry and hot weather.
The tecoma has a short flowering season usually between February and April.
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