A golden rain of flowers: the subtle autumn charm of Taiwan lacebark trees

By / MOOK Travel Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 

As autumn arrives, besides admiring the red leaves, have you noticed how the tiny flowers of Taiwan lacebark trees lining the streets have quietly painted the branches with their lovely golden hues?

The Taiwan lacebark tree is a native and endemic plant in Taiwan, similar to the bitter melia tree (also called bitter chinaberry), both featuring pinnate compound leaves. Hence, it is also referred to as "bitter chinaberry uncle" or "golden bitter melia." It is also known as the "four-color tree" because it displays four vibrant colors—bright green, emerald green, golden yellow, and reddish-brown—throughout the four seasons.

The lacebark tree’s flowers are only about 5 millimeters in diameter, small and adorable. They generally bloom from south to north between September and October each autumn. The tree is highly drought-resistant, not only providing shade but also being pollution-resistant and capable of absorbing noise, earning it the nickname “the A-shin of the tree world.” In the early stages of blooming, fiery golden flower spikes form waves of radiant golden blossoms, gradually complemented by red balloon-like capsules and deep green leaves. The contrast of yellow and red flowers and fruits against the lush green leaves brings vibrancy to the city.