Dazzling Fireworks of Summer Nights: "Pride of India" Trees in Full Bloom Across Taiwan

▲ The Pride of India is in full bloom. (Photo / courtesy of netizenGu XiuqingPlease do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Travel Center / Compiled Report

Have you heard of the "Pride of India" flower? Its slender, pink, tassel-like blossoms resemble powder puffs—by day they look like cascading beads, but at night, they burst forth like the brilliant fireworks of summer. Now in full bloom, the flowering period lasts about 10 days, so flower enthusiasts don’t need to go out of their way to see them.ETNEWS Travel Cloud has compiled a list of popular spots across Taiwan where these blooms are currently at their peak—come and catch this fleeting moment of beauty.

The "Pride of India," also known as Barringtonia racemosa, is a native Taiwanese coastal plant. Its unusual name comes from the fact that its fruit resembles the legs of a Go (baduk) board. Its blooming process is also quite unique—around 6 or 7 PM each evening, the flowers gradually unfurl until they are fully open by midnight, releasing a rich floral fragrance. By the next morning, the stamens and petals wither and fall, marking the end of their beautiful yet fleeting life.

▲ Pride of India flowers at Wujia Erjia Wetlands in Wuji Township. (Photo / courtesy of netizenstefanyang57Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

1. Wujia Erjia Wetlands in Wuji Township
Yilan is home to numerous freshwater bodies and marshes, making it highly suitable for the growth of the Pride of India. The most famous spot is the Wujia Erjia Wetlands in Wuji Township, where the rich wetland ecosystem nurtures its lush blooms. In addition to seeing the flowers densely draped from the trees, visitors can also observe petals scattered on the ground or floating on the water.

Wujia Erjia Wetlands
Address: East side of the Dongshan River, Lize Village and Xiafu Village, Wuji Township, Yilan County

▲ Pride of India trees in full bloom along Yuemei Road in Luodong Town. (Photo / courtesy of netizenchuan_ericPlease do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

2. Yuemei Road in Luodong Town
A stretch of 2–3 kilometers along Yuemei Road is home to approximately 100–200 Pride of India trees, making it a notably dense area. When in full bloom, the sight is spectacular, with peak flowering occurring around 8–9 PM.

Yuemei Road
Address: Yuemei Road, Luodong Town, Yilan County

▲ A row of 4–5 Pride of India trees in front of the Activity Center on the National Taiwan University campus. (Photo / courtesy of netizenlee294214Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

3. National Taiwan University Campus
In front of the Activity Center on the National Taiwan University campus stands a row of 4–5 Pride of India trees. Every evening, crowds of flower enthusiasts armed with flashlights gather here. Additionally, many flower lovers flock to the area in front of NTU’s Ankang Farm, where they creatively arrange fallen blossoms into various shapes.

National Taiwan University
Address: No. 1, Section 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei City (trees planted near the Activity Center and in front of the Ankang Farm)

▲ Many Pride of India trees are also planted near the pond in Taipei Xinsheng Park. (Photo / courtesy of netizenflowernonealPlease do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

In addition to the above locations, there are also
New Taipei and Taipei City: Taipei Botanical Garden, Xinyi Park, Bihu Park, National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, the ecological pond area within Academia Sinica, and in front of Zhonghe District Office
Yilan County: Yilan Ren Shan Botanical Garden, Luodong Forestry Culture Park, Wanglong Pond
Taoyuan City: Futian Flower Farm
Taichung City: National Museum of Natural Science, Meichuan Riverside Park, Taichung Cultural Center, National Chung Hsing University, Qiuhong Valley Square
Kaohsiung City: Aozihdi Native Plant Garden

It’s worth noting that during the blooming period, the leaves, bark, and roots of the “Pride of India” (Kleinhovia hospita) contain hydrogen cyanide and saponins, and must not be picked at will, as it is classified as a rare and protected plant species.