Tiffany CondeGoing for a walk? Make your everyday wandering as scenic as can be with these wonderful native trees all around Asia. From tropical climates to colder altitudes where flowers still bloom, these trees are national symbols and star attractions at the same time. Bursting with flamboyant or subdued colours, these trees will open your eyes to the beauty all around you.
Also read: 13 Flower Fields in Southeast Asia for That Photoshoot You’ve Always Wanted
1. Cherry blossom trees in Japan
Image credit: Reginald Pentinio
Many Japanese cultural practices are dedicated to appreciating the beauty of nature. Consider the tradition of hanami under the cherry blossom trees, or the delicate art of ikebana, which translates to “flower arranging” or “making flowers come alive.” Meanwhile, Japan’s sakura trees take centre stage in artworks, literature, music, films, and postcards.
Today, it’s hard to imagine Mt. Fuji or Chureito Pagoda without the cherry blossom trees nearby. These magical pink native trees are more than tourist attractions; rather, they are symbols of Japan in their own right, drawing travellers all over the world to Asia during the springtime.
Can’t get enough of this glorious pink phenomenon? Don’t miss out on the cherry blossoms of Taiwan, too!
2. Flame trees in Vietnam
Image credit: Ramon FVelasquez
There are subtle trees that fade into the background, and then there’s this flamboyant species. More commonly known as fire or flame trees, these plants with fern-like leaves are eye-catching with their intense colours, ranging from orange to a deep red. Whether you’re biking past them or meandering through the tree-lined streets in Vietnam, their magnificent foliage is hard to miss. Easy to grow and maintain, they flower from May to July in Vietnam, then April to June in the Philippines. Additionally, the trees also bloom from April to May in Thailand and Bangladesh.
3. Rhododendron trees in Nepal
Image credit: Aditya Pal
Rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal. You can identify this flower by its magenta, red, and pink petals that reach their deepest shades from late April through early May. Thriving in elevated areas across Asia, the native rhododendron trees can grow as tall as 20 metres.
Many trekkers come across more than 30 different rhododendron species in the lush forests of Nepal. Here, snow-covered peaks can be seen from a distance. Yet even with the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges in the background, these vivid flowers will command your attention.
4. Narra trees in the Philippines
Image credit: Jose Nicdao
The Narra tree is a large and sturdy deciduous tree whose purposes range from ornamental to medicinal. For Filipinos who remember a more nostalgic time, there could be no other national tree of the Philippines. So steady was its presence, giving plenty of shade and scattering fragrant petals on the streets. Yet the demand for its durable, rose-scented timbre has forced the species into “vulnerable” status, and only a few thousand Narra trees remain in the world today. From February to May, the small yellow flowers of the Narra appear — a humble, yet dazzling counterpoint to its mighty stature.
Also read: 7 Philippine Native Trees You Need On Your Feed
5. Wisteria in Japan
Image credit: Manish Prabhune
Beyond the cherry blossoms in Tokyo, the Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi is what every anime fan wishes they could have in the background when they meet their crush for the first time in Japan. In all seriousness, though, this park’s wisteria tree is considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful trees, and we can definitely see why. Forming a scintillating curtain of flowers, the purple and blue wisteria dangle from the branches. And when the park is illuminated at night, it feels a bit like walking in dreamland.
Fun fact: The biggest wisteria tree in Ashikaga Flower Park is over 150 years old!
6. Ginkgo trees in South Korea
Image credit: travel oriented
Strewn with golden leaves, Asan Ginkgo Tree Road and Nami Island in South Korea are prime attractions in autumn. Ginkgo or maidenhair trees are somewhat unique among native trees in Asia, as they produce nutritious nuts with a strong, distinct odour. Their luminous foliage can be seen around the streets and bridges of Seoul, too. Under the canopy of the yellow leaves, the excitement of fall settles in, along with the cosy feelings and pumpkin spice drinks the season brings. We wouldn’t mind if these trees came without the acidic smell of their seeds, though!
7. Plum blossom trees in China
Image credit: Synyan
Winter plum trees in China usually take a backseat to the lighter-coloured cherry blossoms of its Asian neighbours. However, these plum blossoms are remarkable for the way they do not wither during the winter. Admired for their resilience and endurance, the plum trees in China can stand up to 10 metres tall.
These flowers take on darker shades of red, pink, and yellow. They have a fragrant scent and grow across Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and the Yangtze River Delta region. The Chinese Plum Garden in Jiangsu is a popular gathering site in East Asia, with over 4,000 native plum trees flourishing in the park.
8. Rainbow eucalyptus trees in the Philippines
Image credit: Thomas
It may look like someone ran into a Philippine forest and splashed paint on the tree trunks overnight. But make no mistake: This tree is nature’s masterpiece alone. Known as the rainbow gum or Mindanao gum tree, the rainbow eucalyptus tree sheds its bark to reveal a green layer. Over time, the trunk gradually transforms into bright stripes of yellow, orange, maroon, blue, and purple. Pretty splendid, right? It’s like a living, breathing work of art.
Sure, the Philippines may not have any koalas to hug its eucalyptus trees. But it does have a naturally colourful one — and what a breathtaking sight it is.
Also read: 10 Gardens Around the World for Flower Lovers
In Asian cultures, trees perform a variety of roles. They enthrall visitors with their changing leaves, inspire works of art, turn the streets into landscapes of colour, and act as messengers for the different seasons of the year.
Whether you’re travelling in a country that looks to their foliage for the passing seasons, or tropical climates that only know summer and rain, these native trees in Asia are the pillars of the environment. And luckily for us, they’re here to stay.
