When Mai anh dao (Prunuscesacoides) flowers bloom, it means spring and Tet are coming to Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province. During this period, the city seems to wear a beautiful pink dress thereby it is also called a city of Mai anh dao.
This variety of flower was given its name because its branches and trunk look like that of a peach tree while its flowers are the same as an apricot with five pointed-bills and the tree’s posture is like the Japanese Anh dao tree. It is a native flower of Da Lat and has grown in the area for over 100 years. The tree is about 5-6m high with a 2-3m wide canopy. When it blooms in middle January, the tree, from the root to the top, are brilliant with flowers which fade after more than one month. New fruit starts appearing on branches in March and when they ripen they become purple with a sour taste.
 Mai anh dao flowers near Con Ga Church.  Many youngsters pose for photos with Mai anh dao flowers.  Mai anh dao flowers in Da Lat Train Station…  …and the surrounding area of Xuan Huong Lake.  Mai anh dao flowers in the precinct of Da Lat University.  Graceful girls near Mai anh dao trees in bloom surrounding Xuan Huong Lake.  Mai anh dao trees in bloom near Xuan Huong Lake.  When Mai anh dao bloom, it means spring is coming to Da Lat City  Da Lat female students take photos near a row of Mai anh dao trees.  Mai anh dao trees in the early mist of Da Lat. |
In recent years, this tree is planted on two sides of roads like Le Dai Hanh, Hung Vuong, Tran Dung Dao, Tuong Pho and Hai Ba Trung, the surrounding area of Xuan Huong Lake, in the park and tourism areas. Even a road in the city was named after the special flower. In early 2014, the Youth Union of the city planted over 2,000 Mai anh dao trees in Tran Quoc Toan Park which promise to form a forest of Mai anh dao, making a contribution to beautifying this highland city.
By Ha Huu Net
