KOTA MARUDU: The stunning bloom of Tacoma trees, scientifically known as Tabebuia Rosea and locally called “Malaysian Sakura”, has transformed the Kota Marudu Public Park into a popular photography destination since Aug 20.
The spectacular flowering display has attracted visitors not only from the district but also from neighbouring areas including Pitas, Matunggong and Kudat, all eager to capture memorable photos and witness the beauty before the blooms fade completely.
District Officer Meirin Sugara expressed her excitement over the social media attention the flowers have garnered, with visitors posting photos captioned “like being in Japan” that have caught the attention of numerous social media users.
She said the Tacoma trees typically bloom during prolonged dry seasons or extended hot weather periods like recently experienced.
The current flowering is believed to be triggered by environmental stress. She said the Kota Marudu District Council informed her that a similar phenomenon happened in September 2018, when many Tacoma trees around the town produced flowers.
Seven years later, this natural beauty has returned with even more flower buds and more trees blooming magnificently.
The district boasts over 100 trees of this species planted throughout the public park and along roadsides around the town, producing flowers in various colours including pink, white and yellow varieties.
Meirin added that according to records, the cost of planting the Tacoma trees was coordinated by the National Landscape Department and State Landscape Department as part of a nationwide tree-planting programme that began around 1990.
“Kota Marudu is fortunate that the Public Park area is particularly beautiful, adorned with so many flowers.
“These flowering trees must be cared for, with proper planning for improvement or systematic maintenance programs to ensure residents especially can enjoy such seasons every year,” she said.
Meanwhile, Bandau Sabah Youth Council member, Datu Muhammad Farid Datu Liman, added to the festivities and attractions by organising a small competition to find winners judged on several criteria, including sakura-themed photos from Kota Marudu with the most likes on Facebook during the flowering season.
Farid said the flowering tree areas are extremely beautiful and have become the centre of attention for the public, especially Kota Marudu residents.
Since the flowers bloomed, many have taken videos and photos which they then uploaded to social media, receiving thousands of likes, excited comments and praise for the beauty.
“This phenomenon is very interesting. Although finding real Sakura flowers is quite far away in Japan, this Malaysian Sakura is equally beautiful and stunning when in full bloom,” he said.
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