Rare trees bloom with beautiful flowers on Thai-Lao border

Rare trees are blooming with beautiful flowers at a national park on northern Thailand’s border with Laos.

The Doi Phukha National Park in Nan province is currently a sight to behold as the rare Chompoo Phu Kha trees have burst into bloom. The trees display white-pink flowers that grow in long bunches once a year from the end of February to March.

The phenomenon can be seen by visitors along Highway 1256 from Pua to Bo Kluea district, about four kilometres from the national park.

The Chompoo Phu Kha tree, or Bretschneidera Sinensis, is threatened by habitat loss. The Chompoo Phu Kha tree population in Doi Phukha park is Thailand’s only known population of the species. The species is also found in Taiwan, eastern China, and northern Vietnam.

The trees can grow up to 20 metres tall. Bretschneidera Sinensis is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various conditions.

Cold weather this year is expected to bring out a larger-than-usual display of these flowers until the end of March, Nation Thailand reported. The park is providing binoculars so that tourists can gaze upon the unique, scenic flowers.

Aside from the Chompoo Phu Kha blooms, visitors can take advantage of the park’s trails to view other rare plants and animals. The park’s chief, Chatchai Yothawut, advises visitors to bring warm clothing as the temperature drops to 11-13 degrees Celsius.

For those who want to stay and appreciate the park’s natural beauty longer, resorts and campsites are available for overnight stays.

The display of the Chompoo Phu Kha tree’s flowers is a wonderful reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting Thailand’s natural resources.

Several areas of north and northeast Thailand have had gorgeous flowers sprout up in recent months.

Last month, Himalayan cherry trees brought a splash of colour to Thailand’s northeast province of Loei. The trees are spread across the park’s Phu Lom Lo mountains.