Sanya’s ‘flame trees’ in blossoms, you can see them here!

The flame tree, a species of flowering plant also known by its scientific name, Delonix regia, recently has come into full bloom in Sanya. The plant typically enters flowering season in late May.

 Flame tree in full bloom at Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park

Delonix regia is noted for its fern-like leaves and flamboyant flowers, and is widely grown as an ornamental tree in southern China. Outside Hainan, the tree is also commonly seen in Guangxi, Fujian, Yunnan, Guangdong, and Taiwan.

 Flame tree in full bloom at Sanya Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone

The flowers of the Delonix regia are large, with four spreading scarlet or orange-red petals up to eight centimeters long. The tree’s leaves are like the plumes of a female phoenix, and its flowers like the crest of a male phoenix; hence the tree’s name in Chinese is “凤凰花” (meaning “phoenix flower”).

The plant is very sensitive to the environment, and is therefore often used to test air quality. The trees often bloom from late May to June. In Sanya, flame trees are grown in residential areas, parks, scenic spots, and public green spaces.

Here are some recommended places in Sanya where you can appreciate the beautiful flowers of the flame tree:

Linchun Park

Luhuitou Park

Phoenix Hill Park

Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone

Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park

Dongtian Park

Luhuitou Peninsula