Fire-red silk cotton tree flower avenue by the stream — Ugly blooms create an alternative beauty

By MOOK Traveler Christopher, compiled and reported

Among Taiwan’s many street trees, the silk cotton tree (Sterculia foetida) has emerged as a standout. As an introduced species, it stands alongside other common street trees in Taiwan such as the small-leaved fig, milkwood pine, and kapok tree. Every March and April, the silk cotton tree sheds its previous foliage and dons a fiery red floral coat, embellishing urban streetscapes. Along Yongchun East Second Road and Third Road in Nantun District, Taichung, and following the Maoyuan Head Stream, you can see rows of silk cotton trees in full bloom, similar to kapok blossoms, which paint the city streets in gradient shades of red.

The silk cotton tree hangs countless flowers and fruits. Though beautiful in shape, when it blooms and fruits in spring, it emits a foul odor, and few bees or butterflies visit — only swarms of flies hover around. This often prompts residents living near the trees to request their removal or cutting down. This also opens up discussions on the function of Taiwan’s street trees and their diverse additional values.