The phoenix ‘lights the fire’ to make Hanoi’s summer more brilliant

These days, when walking on the streets and corners of Hanoi, you will see that the capital is so brilliant thanks to the red color of the phoenix flower.

The phoenix flower tree has the English name Flamboyant, also known as phoenix, oval west, scallop… The phoenix is ​​a red-flowered plant found in tropical or subtropical regions. Phoenix flowers bloom from about late April to June, depending on the region. This flower is native to Madagascar. In addition to its ornamental value, phoenix also acts as a shade tree in tropical conditions. The phoenix tree is quite tall, about 5m to 12m. The phoenix tree has wide spreading foliage and its dense foliage provides shade. The phoenix flower has 5 petals spreading bright red or orange-red, often forming large clusters. In Vietnam, the phoenix tree was introduced and planted by the French in the late 19th century in big cities such as Hai Phong, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Saigon. Even Hai Phong is also known as the “City of red phoenix flowers”. In Hanoi, the phoenix tree is grown quite popularly. They are planted on sidewalks, parks, schools. When the phoenix flowers begin to bloom, it is also the time to signal exam season, summer, and school release season. That’s why, the first sentence of the song Phuong Hong: Carts full of phoenix flowers, where is my summer baby going… has been deeply imprinted in the hearts of many young people. The phoenix flower rose strongly in the terrible heat of Hanoi. Along the rivers, lakes and both sides of the capital’s roads are now tinged with brilliant red. The phoenix trees on the street produce bright red flowers, combined with the purple color of the mausoleum, the yellow color of the scalloped flowers, creating the summer colors of Hanoi. All of them light up in many generations of Hanoians the fire of love every time they look at those bright colors.