The rare 100-year-old Bun tree is in full blossom at this time of year, adding to Hanoi's romantic allure.
It is time for residents and visitors to save the moments with photographs during these days of late March and early April when Hanoi streets don a romantic coat of Hoa Ban (Orchid Tree flowers), Hoa Sua (Dalbergia Tonkinensis flowers), and Hoa Phong Linh (Yellow Tabebuia flowers). The Bun Flower is a lesser-known variety of flowers, though. Only three Bun trees have been found in the capital city thus far.
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The Bun tree, also known as Bach hoa or Man man (Capparaceae), blooms only once a year in late March or early April. The brilliant flowers are pure white at first, then turn bright yellow in full bloom, releasing a mild sweet fragrance.
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| The first Bun tree found in Hanoi several years ago is planted in front of the Cultural House of Dinh Thon Village, My Dinh Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi. |
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| The tree, with a large old trunk and two broad canopies, is said to be over 300 years old. |
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| The second Bun plant in Hanoi was found in Ha Tri Village, Ha Cau Ward, Ha Dong District. After a recent viral spread on social networks, the tree with strikingly beautiful flowers has become better known among people. |
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According to Tuan Anh, a resident of Ha Tri Village in Ha Dong District, the tree in front of his house has been there since he was a young boy. "I am so lucky to have this Bun tree, a rare plant, growing right in front of my door. It gives me a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the flowers whenever I want," he said.
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| According to the locals, no one in the village knows exactly how old the tree is, but it is said to be older than any middle-aged person in the village. |
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| Hidden in a deep alley at 16 Chua Boc Street in Dong Da District, Hanoi's lesser-known third Bun tree was found to be about 70 years old. |
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Because they are so uncommon, these Bun trees are truly unique. In addition, the clusters of their blooms are also very lovely. While the outer flowers are yellow, the ones in the cluster's center are white.
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| The fragrance of the flowers is most intense at night and early in the morning. |
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The lovely and distinctive kind of blossom, however, only lives for one month. Professional and amateur photographers alike are drawn to the exceptional beauty of these rare trees during the Bun Flower season.
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| Each Bun flower carries 13 to 18 stamens, each about 10 centimeters long, with plural stamina in purple. |
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| Bun trees often grow wild in the central provinces of Quang Nam, Quang Binh and Thua Thien - Hue and are rarely planted in Vietnam's big cities. The Bun tree in Dinh Thon Village, My Dinh Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, is the oldest in Hanoi. |
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