Enjoy giant crape myrtles, now in bloom

02:04, 28/04/2016

One of the loveliest flowering trees in Hanoi is the bang lang, or as it is sometimes called, the giant crape myrtle.

One of the loveliest flowering trees in Hanoi is the bang lang, or as it is sometimes called, the giant crape myrtle.

You’ll see these big-headed, orange-scarlet flowered trees all around the Hoan Kiem Lake area in Hanoi, this time of year.
You’ll see these big-headed, orange-scarlet flowered trees all around the Hoan Kiem Lake area in Hanoi, this time of year.

 

Their glossy leaves and circular clusters of 6–8 cm long coiled showy racemes of flowers are a sure-fire sign that summer is on its way.
Their glossy leaves and circular clusters of 6–8 cm long coiled showy racemes of flowers are a sure-fire sign that summer is on its way.

 

The flowers are gorgeous and the seed pods, which follow the flowers, can be used in dry arrangements and wreaths.
The flowers are gorgeous and the seed pods, which follow the flowers, can be used in dry arrangements and wreaths.

 

The giant crape myrtles are known scientifically as Lagerstroemia speciosa.
The giant crape myrtles are known scientifically as Lagerstroemia speciosa.

 

Crape myrtles are in the lythraceae family along with henna, false heather and that lei maker's favourite, the cigar flower or pua kika.
Crape myrtles are in the lythraceae family along with henna, false heather and that lei maker's favourite, the cigar flower or pua kika.

 

There are many other species of crape myrtle.
There are many other species of crape myrtle.

 

 

(Source: VOV)