Golden Rain on the Streets – Taiwan Rain Trees Herald Autumn

Text / Compiled and reported by the Editorial Department of MOOK Travel Life Network
 

As autumn arrives, besides admiring the red leaves, have you noticed how the tiny flowers of Taiwan rain trees along the roadside have quietly painted their branches in charming golden hues?

The Taiwan rain tree is a native and endemic plant in Taiwan, similar to the chinaberry tree (also known as bitter lilac), both featuring pinnate compound leaves. Therefore, some people also call it "bitter lilac uncle" or "golden chinaberry." 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 rain tree 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 Tree of Grit in the Plant World.” In the early stages of blooming, fiery golden flower spikes form waves of dazzling golden blossoms, gradually paired with red balloon-like seed capsules and deep green leaves. The contrast of yellow and red flowers and fruits against the lush greenery brings vibrancy to the city.