Fallen flowers

Image
Date 24.02.2024
Size 20x20 cm
Latin name Rhodoleia championii
Materials Canvas, acrylic

When Rhodoleia championii drops its bright flowers onto the forest floor and paths, it feels as if a colorful Indian Pushpanjali ceremony has been held here. Someone has generously showered deities, honored guests, or perhaps newlyweds, with red-pink flowers. We witnessed such a "flower rain" beneath large Rhodoleia trees: sometimes there are individual graceful, bright petals, and sometimes entire flowers with golden bracts. Everything is so festive and elegant, in contrast to the dark forest floor and sunlight, that the fallen flowers do not evoke sadness or regret over beauty that is about to fade.

Rhodoleia championii blooms from February to May, choosing the sunniest time of the year for this. In general, these trees prefer well-lit places and strive upward, growing as tall as 25 meters. High up, in the spreading crown, the flowers are also clearly visible, thanks to their rich, almost luminescent color. The tree’s leathery, glossy leaves are also quite decorative. Another name for Rhodoleia championii is the Hong Kong rose, which makes sense since it was first discovered in Hong Kong. Fortunately, this beautiful tree is not rare in the local forests.