SINGAPORE \u2013 Clusters of pink, red and yellow gave Singapore\u2019s streets zest earlier than usual in 2026.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Bountiful rainfall in February<\/p>\n <\/a> brought relief to the drier weather late in January, and mprecipitated a bloom among some of the more than 4,800 species of native and cultivated plants on the tropical island. <\/p>\n This was ahead of the two flowering periods flowering trees here usually experience \u2013 between March and April, and between August and September \u2013 said National Parks Board group director for streetscape Oh Cheow Sheng.<\/p>\n \u201cFlowering is usually triggered when heavy showers occur after a hot and long dry spell, such as in the recent few weeks,\u201d Mr Oh said.<\/p>\n Decorating the streets with crowns of pink and white were trumpet trees (Tabebuia rosea<\/i>), affectionately dubbed Singapore\u2019s cherry blossoms for their resemblance to sakura trees in Japan.<\/p>\n Trumpet trees flowering at Tampines Concourse Bus Interchange on Feb 27. The trees give Singapore its own version of Japan\u2019s signature sakura flowers, or cherry blossoms.<\/p>\n ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Named for its trumpet-shaped flowers, this non-native species can grow to about between 18m and 35m. Its flowers, which stay in bloom for several days before wilting, carpet the ground around the tree after falling off.<\/p>\n The trumpet tree grows up to 35m tall. Its flowers stay in bloom for several days before wilting.<\/p>\n ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n In some corners, a more striking red drew attention.<\/p>\n When in bloom, the free-flowering red powderpuff plant (Calliandra tergemina<\/i> var. emarginata<\/i>) provides nectar for bees and butterflies, before wilting after two or three days. Its unopened flowers buds resemble bunches of red berries.<\/p>\n Bees getting nectar from a blooming red powderpuff plant along Bedok North Street 1 on Feb 27.<\/p>\n ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Blossoming several times a year across the Republic is the yellow saraca (Saraca thaipingensis<\/i>).<\/p>\n The tree, measuring up to 24m, is prized and cultivated for its large clusters of vibrant yellow flowers, which later turn orange and red. <\/p>\n Yellow saraca flowers blooming at Sun Plaza Park on Feb 27. Its flowers start out yellow, before turning orange, then red.<\/p>\n ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n The blooms often coincide with transitional periods between the wet and dry season, and individual flowers last about one or two weeks. <\/p>\n Prized for its large clusters of vibrant flowers, the yellow saraca often blooms during transitional periods between the wet and dry season.<\/p>\n ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Also adding a sprightly splash of yellow is the cat claw ivy (Dolichandra unguis-cati<\/i>).<\/p>\n The name \u201ccat claw\u201d is derived from the vine\u2019s distinctive climbing appendages, resembling a cat\u2019s claws.<\/p>\n Cat claw ivy flowering at a bus stop in front of Block 401 Tampines Ave 7 on Feb 27. The woody vine climbs with the help of claw-shaped appendages.<\/p>\n ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Native to Central and South America, the plant was introduced to Singapore as an ornamental species.<\/p>\n The non-native and ornamental cat claw ivy is suitable for landscaping on pergolas for its brilliant yellow flowers.<\/p>\n ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n The sandpaper vine (Petrea volubilis<\/i>), named for its rough-textured leaves, was seen sporting its signature pale blue and violet star-shaped flowers. <\/p>\n The woody climber can grow up to 6m with support, or forms a shrub when not supported.<\/p>\n Pale blue and violet flowers are the star feature of the sandpaper vine, named for its rough and textured leaves. It was seen flowering at Tampines Street 82 on Feb 27.<\/p>\n ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Native epiphytic orchids such as Rhynchostylis gigantea<\/i> and pigeon orchids (Dendrobium crumenatum<\/i>) have also been spotted blooming on rain trees, said NParks\u2019 Mr Oh. Epiphytic plants use a host plant\u2019s surface for physical support, and do not negatively affect it.<\/p>\n There are also plants that flower all year round, such as the bougainvillea and Malayan crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia floribunda<\/i>), and others that exhibit flushes of young reddish leaves, such as the kelat oil (Syzygium myrtifolium<\/i>).<\/p>\n \u201cIn general, plants have evolved to respond physiologically to changes in the environment,\u201d said Mr Oh, adding that \u201cflowering patterns will change in line with increased climate variability\u201d.<\/p>\n Other environmental factors include temperature, light and moisture levels, he said.<\/p>\n The public can visit <\/p>\n trees.sg<\/p>\n <\/a> to find out where flowering trees can be seen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/picture><\/div>
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