Saigon’s sidewalks are dyed golden brown in May as hollong petals descend to the ground, heralding the approaching rainy season.
Hollong trees (Dipterocarpus retusus), known as “cho nau” in Vietnamese, can be found across the city, though Pham Ngoc Thach, Le Quy Don, and Le Duan streets in District 1 and District 3 are home to the densest population.
Every March, Dipterocarpus retusus flowers bloom with a mild fragrance. Come April, these trees begin to grow seeds. As the weather heats up at the beginning of May, their petals turn brown and spin to the ground.
The flowers have two petals that turn brownish yellow when they dry. They often spin like a pinwheel when the wind blows before carpeting the sidewalks.
The Dipterocarpus retusus is a large tree and perhaps the best-known species in the genus Dipterocarpus. It is native to China, Vietnam, and other Southeast Asian countries.
Fallen “cho nau” seeds on a street in Saigon.
The pair of “rabbit ears” whirled in intense love with the wind, and then the seemingly romantic love story ended quickly. The wind returned to the clouds, leaving the dry seeds lying flat on the ground despite being mercilessly beaten, but at least, the “cho nau” shone brightly once before being forgotten.
For many Saigonese, the spinning seed heralds the nearing monsoon season.
The “flying hollong season” usually begins in late April and early May in Saigon. The first time I admired the flying boat on Mac Dinh Chi street was more than a decade ago. On a sunny afternoon at the bus stop, the “rabbit ears” are still the same, sparkling in the afternoon sun next to their lover – the wind. Love is beautiful but sad!
| MΓΉa ChΓ² Bay – Flying Hollong Season
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