Purple flower season on Son Tra peninsula

The purple flowers bloom from the end of April, blending into the green of Son Tra peninsula with three sides facing the sea.

Son Tra Peninsula is located about 10 km northeast of Da Nang city center, more than 4,400 hectares wide, 13 km long and about 60 km in circumference, at an average altitude of 350 m. The highest point is Oc peak, nearly 700 m.

Millettia ichthyochtona is also known as Millettia ichthyochtona, Millettia ichthyochtona, and Millettia ichthyochtona. The flowers bloom from late April to May.

According to Dr. Nguyen Quyet, Head of Applied Science Department, Center for Biotechnology, Department of Science and Technology of Da Nang City, Than Mat is a native tree of Son Tra Peninsula. This tree species has been successfully transplanted and planted in urban areas and can replace other tree species planted in parks and streets to create a unique feature for Da Nang City. The flowers are mainly concentrated in Suoi Om area, near Yet Kieu Street and Tien Sa Port.

In the purple color of the Than Mat flowers, flocks of red-shanked douc langurs - the queen of primates endemic to Indochina, often appear in the early morning or late afternoon.

Along this road, there are dozens of cypress trees that are decades old. A cypress tree about 5 years old can be 4 - 5 m tall and bloom.

The small woody plant is up to 10 m tall, resistant to the environment, has a thick canopy, sheds leaves seasonally, has few pests and diseases, has flexible branches, is resistant to storms and winds, and grows quickly.

The flower of the Than Mat tree is also a favorite food of the red-shanked douc langur. On Son Tra peninsula, the world's largest population of red-shanked douc langurs in the wild is recorded, with about 300-400 individuals.

The pistils also attract bees. Last year, Da Nang City planted more than 300 cypress trees on Hoang Sa Street, through Ho Xanh Lake, leading to Son Tra Peninsula to create a unique route, attracting residents and tourists.

The natural scenery with cool flowers and groups of langurs attracts many photographers. Due to some landslides in the concrete road area in Suoi Om that could not be repaired during the historic rains in October 2022, tourists are restricted from visiting.

Franz Johann, 67 years old, German nationality (right) spent 2 months traveling to Da Nang to take pictures of Son Tra peninsula. Johann was introduced to the characteristics of the flower by Mr. Dao Dang Cong Trung, 44 years old, who has spent more than 10 years taking pictures and collecting trash to beautify Son Tra peninsula.

"I am fascinated by the beauty of the lotus flower. This is the 5th time I have come to Da Nang just to see and take pictures with this flower," said Franz Johann.

Many people also come to Son Tra peninsula to sightsee, sit and drink tea, coffee or meditate under the cool canopy of flowers.

On Son Tra peninsula, there are many other purple flowers, such as sim flowers, mua flowers, or the yellow colors of lim xet flowers, the pure white color of morning glory flowers...

The lim xet flowers on Son Tra peninsula have come to an end, but are still beautiful and are home to many animals, including many red-shanked doucs who choose lim xet branches near Tien Sa port to stay overnight.