ALOR SETAR: The Tecoma trees in full bloom along roads here are an annual attraction.

The popular tree-lined stretches of white, purple and pink flowers where locals come to take photos include Jalan Titi Gajah-Alor Setar, Lebuhraya Darul Aman, Jalan Gangsa, Jalan Kuala Kedah, Jalan Langgar, Jalan Lencong Barat and Jalan Yan.

Searching out Tecoma trees in bloom is always an exciting activity for housewives Ong Guat Cheng, 52, Teh Guat Aing, 82, Tang Yew Peng, 56, and Boon Chai Fong, 82.

“We will get together to search for beautiful Tecoma trees to pose for pictures.

“On many occasions, we will also bring along various types of hats and scarves to pose for pictures with under the trees.

“Sometimes, we meet after our routine trips to the morning market and then head straight to our ‘secret’ spots for a photoshoot, ” said Boon.

Boon said she “fell in love” with the flowers some eight years ago.

“I like them very much, ” she said.

The group was spotted posing for pictures under one of the Tecoma trees in Pumpong here yesterday.

They later continued their photoshoot along Jalan Titi Gajah-Alor Setar.

“From January onwards, I monitor the blossoming of Tecoma trees.

“I never miss the chance to take pictures underneath them.

“We have travelled to many parts of Alor Setar in search of beautiful Tecoma trees to take pictures.

“We are very lucky to have such trees in the state, ” added Boon.

For self-employed Shakri Bidi, 47, and his wife Yani Sobri, 29, the trees near their house and along the Jalan Titi Gajah-Alor Setar stretch have been attracting hundreds of local visitors.

“This year, the flowers bloomed earlier in stages since December and they will last for about a week, ” said Shakri.

Meanwhile, Alor Setar City Council mayor Datuk Mohd Zohdi Saad said there are a total of 2,720 existing Tecoma trees to date.

“Of these, 1,181 trees were planted along major roads such as Jalan Kuala Kedah, Jalan Langgar and Jalan Yan, while 359 trees were planted at residential areas, 151 trees at public parks, 28 in the city centre, and the rest in other places.

“The state will establish the Tecoma Flower Corner or Sudut Bunga Tecoma or Bunga Sakura Kedah in Kuala Kedah in June.

“The first 20 trees have been planted on a half-acre land in Taman Sepakat, Jalan Kuala Kedah for the project.

“The Tecoma trees will bloom from February to April but its peak blooming period is March, ” he said.