Purple Radermachera (Radermachera sinica)

From April to June, during the summer season, many limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay bloom with the vibrant purple flowers of the Purple Radermachera.
Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, locals also call this plant the “ginger egg” tree. It is a small woody shrub with multiple branches and a white-colored stem. The bark is rough and thick. Its simple, soft, oval-shaped leaves are arranged spirally. Dense hairs form a velvety layer covering both sides of the leaves. The flowers are purple and tubular, with each flower stalk bearing 1 to 3 blossoms.

To withstand the harsh climate and living conditions, the plant has a strong root system that firmly grips the rocky mountains, resisting storms and winds while penetrating deep into the crevices to survive.

Amid the vast expanse of Ha Long’s rocks and waters, the purple hues of the Purple Radermachera flowers, along with other blooming species, delight and surprise visitors with their vibrant beauty.

Translated by Thuy Ha