MIRI: The blooming Tecoma trees along Jalan Padang Kerbau towards Miri Hospital have created a soft and relaxing atmosphere for those travelling along the road.

“When I look at these flowers, it makes me feel like I’m not in a tropical country. The atmosphere is really nice and I appreciate what nature has given us,” said a motorist, who identified himself only as Nelson, when approached by The Borneo Post yesterday while snapping photos of the flowers.

The trees began to flower at the end of April and are expected to continue blooming until the end of this month. Often compared to Japan’s cherry blossom, or ‘sakura’, the pink, red and white Tecoma flowers lining the road offer a similar picturesque scene.

When contacted yesterday, Miri mayor Adam Yii revealed that Miri City Council (MCC) is planning to develop a new recreational park in Permyjaya which would include the planting of Tecoma trees.

“We also have plans to plant more of these trees at Miri Public Park and Bulatan Park Miri. Once they bloom, the flowers would ‘decorate’ the city with their beautiful and colourful petals.”

Tecoma is a type of forest tree that comes into full bloom during the dry season. Any rain during the flowering period will cause the flowers to drop.