Photos | Hero trees: Bombax ceiba blossoms illuminate HK every spring

Hong Kong

2025.03.12 20:16

The Bombax ceiba is a common flowering deciduous tree in Hong Kong, which blooms every spring. The flowers resemble large torches illuminating the earth, which is why it is often referred to as the hero trees.

A famous Bombax ceiba viewing spot in Hong Kong is the Shek Kong Barracks in Yuen Long, where over 20 trees are distributed along a 50-meter-long path.

In spring, the Bombax ceiba sprouts buds, flowering from March to April, followed by the growth of new leaves. By May and June, large amounts of cotton fluff will scatter with the seeds, creating a romantic scene reminiscent of falling snow.

When in bloom, the orange-red and orange-yellow flowers will fill the entire cotton tree avenue, attracting many photography enthusiasts who visit specifically to take pictures.