Flowers of the perennial tree known scientifically as Dalbergia tonkinensis or Sưa in Vietnamese usually bloom in late March when Hanoi’s streets are in the wet of drizzle. But this year the flowering season has come one month earlier than usual.
The prime time for sưa flowers viewing has yet to arrive, but the sporadic white of the early blossoms is enough to make people on the street feel startled by a familiar sight.
When spring comes, Hanoi’s streets are adorned with pure white petals that few cities are endowed with.
Sưa flowers are tiny and as white as snow. Their thin petals are easily swept away to create a white carpet on the ground.
Sưa flowers can usually be spotted on streets such as Phan Dinh Phung, Hoang Hoa Tham, Hung Vuong and Phan Chu Trinh.
Those who love Hanoi all wish to stop and view the flowers or take some pictures.
When most green leaves have fallen, the flowers are at their best, prominently white against a backdrop of barren, skinny branches.
The flowers are so fragile that in a very slight drizzle, the petals falls like flying snowflakes.
When the flowers bloom, it is time for birds, bees and butterflies to collect nectar.
When the prime time comes, Sưa flowers will whiten Hanoi’s skies.
