Summer is the season when phoenix flowers bloom, according to Taiwan photographer Song Yongtai. He shared that along the Love River in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, phoenix flowers are in full bloom, with the vibrant red flowers turning purplish, resembling torches in their beauty. Song recommends visitors to take a trip to Kaohsiung to admire the stunning scenery of the phoenix flower sea.
In Kaohsiung, the Love River is considered a symbol of progress for the city, and during the peak blooming season of the phoenix flowers, both sides of the Love River become colorful flower seas, attracting many people to come for leisurely walks, flower viewing, and taking photos. Song invites tourists to visit and enjoy the sight of the fiery red phoenix flowers adorning the green trees along the riverside, creating beautiful landscapes.
The phoenix tree, also known as the phoenix flower, belongs to the Fabaceae family and is a tall deciduous tree, reaching heights of about 8-25 meters with a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter. The smooth surface of the trunk is gray-white or light gray in color, with an umbrella-shaped crown and branches extending horizontally. In Taiwan, it is a common street tree and garden shade tree, blooming from May to July.
During the summer season when phoenix flowers bloom, coinciding with the graduation season of students, and considering that the flower language of the phoenix flower is “farewell,” some people refer to it as the “graduation tree.” In the graduation song “Li Ge,” it mentions “phoenix flowers blooming,” adding to the symbolic meaning of farewell and new beginnings associated with the season.
Song Yongtai describes the beauty of a phoenix flower tree when its red flowers turn purplish, comparing it to a burning torch. Standing under a phoenix tree, if one takes a selfie wearing white clothes or having someone take a photo, the whole person seems to turn red due to the vibrant colors of the flowers.
In the months of May and June, strolling along the Love River, feeling the cool breeze and admiring the ripples on the water surface, brings a moment of joy and relaxation to one’s mood. The blooming phoenix flowers on the “fire tree” add a splendid touch to the surroundings, creating a delightful and serene atmosphere for visitors.