Tecoma blooms light up Alor Star
ALOR STAR: Kedahans have something to smile about despite the scorching temperature and long dry spell — the colourful tecoma blooms.
The bell-shaped flowers in pink and white created an inviting sight for locals who stopped by to take photographs of the blossoming trees.
Among the best places to view the flowers, which are also popularly known as sakura flowers, are in Jalan Langgar including in front of Masjid Al-Bukhary, Jalan Kuala Kedah, Jalan Gangsa and Jalan Batas Paip.
In the city alone, there are between 500 to 600 tecoma trees.
Tecoma trees need hot weather to bloom and it will only last for two weeks.
“It is a sight for sore eyes. Once I saw brides and grooms posing among Tecoma petals that covered the ground below the trees,” said resident Nor Azlin Abdul Manaf in Jalan Sultanah here.
Azlin said the flowers bloomed once a year and when they do, it brightened the whole city.
Avid photographer Adilah Abdullah said the fallen petals provided a canvas for a charming composition.
“The fallen petals are like large carpets that invite you to sit down and relax yourself.”
The Alor Star City Council has incorporated the tecoma trees (tebebuia rosea species) in its landscape project to beautify the city.