Sakura Flower Display – Part II

While the Japanese call this flower Sakura, you likely know it as the Cherry blossom. Cherry blossoms refer to the flowers of several trees from the genus Prunus. A genus of about 400 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs and trees, Prunus belongs to the Rose family (Rosaceae), and includes cherries, plums, peachers, nectarines, apricots and almonds.

In Japan, there is a festival dedicated to ‘Hanami’ - which literally means ‘watching blossoms’, watching the falling of the Sakura flowers. The tradition can be traced back for centuries. During the festival, people gathered for picnics, or just to watch the ‘Sakura snow’. Viewing spots are crowded with people enjoying the blossoms in a beautiful, romantic atmosphere.

The sakura season is also a tourist season. Many tourists go to Japan to partake in the experience of watching the ‘Sakura snow’.

Sakura trees bloom starting from late March, but it can also vary regionally. The average cherry blossom flower lasts four to ten days, but that depends on the weather. If it’s cool when the flowers bloom, they will last longer. The entire flowering period lasts approximately 10 to 18 days.

Here are some photos from my visit.

Ikebana
Ikebana is the ancient and traditional art of Japanese flower arrangement. The term ikebana comes from two Japanese words – ikeru meaning (to arrange, to give life) and hana (flower). Ikebana aims to highlight the innate beauty and grace of nature with the minimal use of floral materials. It conveys and evokes emotions through the lines, structure and colours of the floral arrangements.

Differences between Plum, Peach, and Cherry blossoms
Plum – petals have round tips – on flower in one place – almost no petiole
Peach – Petals are pointy – two flowers in one place – short petioles
Cherry – tips of petals have a notch – many flowers in one place – long petioles

All the information in this post are taken from the signboards at the flower display.

The Sakura display at the Flower Dome is now on until the 21st of April. You can purchase tickets online or at one of the offices in the gardens. Adults pay $12 per entry. Seniors and children pay $8.

You can click on the picture for a better view.

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