Sea Fairy Flower

Sea Fairy Flower

　　The Sea Fairy Flower, originally known as the Ribbon Flower, grows in the cloud-covered hills of Yuntai Mountain. With its slender branches, it bursts into clusters of bell-shaped blooms from late spring to early summer. The flowers start out white, gradually shifting to pink and then deep purplish-rose, creating a vibrant, multicolored spectacle along each stem — resembling an embroidered silk ribbon. It was thus named.

The imperial scholar Wang Yu of the Song Dynasty was deeply impressed by its beauty. He strongly objected to the notion, promoted by some floral enthusiasts, that the crabapple should be hailed as “the celestial flower of all blooms.” He argued that the Ribbon Flower “rivals the crabapple and deserves to be called a celestial bloom.” Learning that it was first discovered in the mountain valleys of Haizhou, he named it the Sea Fairy Flower, and composed the poetic line: “Ribbon Flower is a vulgar name; I call it the Sea Fairy Flower.”

It’s clear this flower is truly a rare gem among blossoms and a marvel for flower lovers to behold!(Lianyungang)