Memories of Xiamen Botanical Garden
On December 19th, I visited the Xiamen Botanical Garden and made a special trip to the National Bougainvillea Germplasm Resource Bank. I was surprised to learn that bougainvillea, botanically known as a climbing shrub in the Nyctaginaceae family, is native to South America. It is vigorous, thrives in warm climates, and typically blooms in November. Due to its vibrant colors and long flowering period, it has been widely introduced and cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, and is now the city flower of more than 30 cities in my country, including Xiamen. The Bougainvillea Germplasm Resource Bank is a "gene bank" of bougainvillea genetic resources, currently housing nearly 500 varieties, accounting for almost half of the world's varieties and ranking first in China. It consists of a bougainvillea germplasm resource conservation base and a bougainvillea exhibition garden. The exhibition garden fully utilizes the natural landscape of the botanical garden, including mountains, rocks, and water, with "flowers and rocks" as its design theme. It highlights both the vibrant beauty of bougainvillea and the unique characteristics of Wanshi Mountain. Following the natural contours of the mountain, the bougainvillea are arranged at varying heights, dividing the area into several zones, including a flower sea area, a bonsai area, a variety area, and a leisure area.
Stepping into the flower sea area is like entering a dreamlike wonderland. Hundreds of bougainvillea varieties bloom in competition, their colors ranging from fiery reds and brilliant oranges to dazzling yellows and pure whites. They cascade down the terraced terrain in tiers like waterfalls, creating a magnificent sea of bougainvillea flowers. The walkways meander through this floral paradise; strolling along them, the layers of blossoms resemble colorful waves, swaying gently in the breeze. The invigorating fragrance carried on the breeze is refreshing and unforgettable.
Entering the variety area is like stepping into a natural kingdom of bougainvillea. Here, the bougainvillea grows intermittently alongside the rocks, blending perfectly with the surrounding natural environment. Strolling along the winding paths, one encounters numerous "bougainvillea beauties"—varieties like Snow White, Mona Lisa, Hong Kong Beauty, Orange Ice, and River Lotus, each with its own unique charm: some stand gracefully on either side of the path; others nestle against the rocks, all alluring. Among them, the "Red-Bud Beauty" series is the most abundant, with varieties like Yi Hong, Pink Little Elf, Double-Petaled Jujube Red, Golden Deer Crimson, and Deep Red Wrinkled Leaves, each possessing its own distinct character. The "green foliage" adorning these "beauties" is also unique, with varying shades of green, sizes, and even patterns—silver-edged, gold-edged, variegated, and wrinkled leaves creating a delightful contrast. Immersed in the garden, appreciating the rich variety of bougainvillea varieties, and fully enjoying nature's bounty, one's heart is filled with comfort and happiness.
Stepping into the leisure area, one enters a tranquil resting place amidst the sea of flowers. Here, you'll find a meticulously crafted "Love Corridor," with vibrant red hearts strung together to form archways, and animal shapes woven from bougainvillea, their graceful forms creating a romantic atmosphere. Lawns, flagstone paths, and rest pavilions are scattered throughout, complementing each other beautifully. Strolling along, you can stop to take photos, enjoy panoramic views of the magnificent terraced flower fields, and gaze at the stunning scenery of Wanshi Mountain and the bougainvillea's graceful, climbing blossoms. Against the backdrop of blue skies, white clouds, colorful flowers, and green grass, you can truly appreciate the harmonious beauty of humanity and nature.
In short, the bougainvillea flower sea is one of the most visually stunning biological landscapes I've ever seen on my travels.