Those who made the trip with me from Las Vegas to Friday Harbor to Oahu, will remember that when I first arrived here I fell instantly in love with the Rainbow Shower Tree. Well, after remaining flowerless during our “winter” season, the Shower Trees are again in full bloom, and today I spotted a young tree still close enough to the ground that I could finally clearly photograph the flower for you.
Here is the tree as it stands in the backyard of the church we attend.
Here is a glorious flower cluster.
And here is a close up so you can see the flower in detail.
Click here to get closer still.
21 comments
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May 18, 2008 at 12:55 am
Melli
What an interesting specimen! From a distance it’s a rather scraggly little tree with a rather Medusa-ish look about it! But those flowers are just GORGEOUS! (well… aren’t they ALL in Hawaii?…
LOL! Good share Quilly!
May 18, 2008 at 1:37 am
Dr. John
What a beautiful R.
May 18, 2008 at 3:37 am
Mar
Absolutely gorgeous!! and I didn’t know about it…
May 18, 2008 at 5:37 am
Gattina
Is that ever a beautiful tree ! I have never seen such one !
May 18, 2008 at 5:49 am
baba's log/ night owl
Wow.. I have never heard of a Rainbow - shower tree.. beautiful photos.. my R pictures are ready..
May 18, 2008 at 6:06 am
Alice
I can see why you fell in love with that tree, Quilly. WOW! I’ve never heard of them before so thank you for enlightening me. Have an awesome day!!
May 18, 2008 at 6:54 am
Quilly
Melli — those Medusa-like branches you see are new, and just sprouting buds. Soon each one will be covered in flower. These photos are of the tree just starting to bud. Soon the entire thing will be a riot in pastel.
Dr. John — thank you.
Mar — I am glad I could show you something new!
Gattina — neither has I until arriving here. I understand that they are native to Asia.
Baba — I am glad to offer you a glimpse at something new.
Alice — thay are eye popping. I am glad you enjoyed it.
May 18, 2008 at 8:00 am
Jamie Dawn
Beautiful!
Love those blossoms!
May 18, 2008 at 9:20 am
Karen of Sillymonkeez
Oh my! That tree is beautiful!! The colors are so exotic.
Mine is up a lot later than usual. Sorry!!
http://3garnetsn2sapphires.blogspot.com/2008/05/alphabet-photos-letter-r.html
May 18, 2008 at 10:02 am
Shrinky
This is a new one on me - wow! It is quite amazing, isn’t it? Lovely photography, so glad you shared it.
May 18, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Carletta
Lovely blooms! Never heard of this - so glad you shared!
May 18, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Shelly
Wow…incredible tree. I need to ask you about Friday Harbor sometime, maybe we know some of the same people! That whole separated by six thing…hmmm….the blog world is pretty interesting that way.
May 18, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Crazycath
A beautiful tree, and well framed photo. I love the close up. The detail is exquisite.
Never heard of a rainbow tree. What a lovely name!
May 18, 2008 at 4:03 pm
sauerkraut
That’s one huge hunk of orange.
Does it smell bad?
May 18, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Quilly
JD — I’m glad you enjoyed them.
Karen — the only “too late” is “never”.
Shrinky — the Shower Tree originated in tropical Asia. The Rainbow cultivar was created in a laboratory right here in Hawaii. It is a cross between the Yellow Shower Tree and the Pink Shower Tree.
Carletta — thank you — you’re welcome!
Shelly — I only spent a summer there, but OC earned his doctorate at the University of Washington and did much of his study at the Friday Harbor Labs. He has also taught summer graduate courses there for the past 20 some years.
Cath — A lovely name for a lovely tree. If you want to know more, read my comment to Shrinky.
May 18, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Robert
I love that you were able to get close up on these. I can see why you fell in love with them. I can’t believe we only have 8 letters left. I’m so enjoying this challenge with which you have provided us. I almost intentionally not planning in advance so I’m challenged each day.
May 18, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Alice
Hi all…. I posted “O” and “P” tonight… Hope you enjoy them.
May 18, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Reba
Whoof!! “Q” is up at my doggy bloggy!!! Bark!!!
May 19, 2008 at 10:58 am
juliana
damn! i definitely left a comment here yesterday…
anyway, fantastic tree and wonderful close-up!
May 19, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Minkydo
Beautiful. Love the colors on that tree.
May 19, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Jules~
What a beautiful explosion of color and blossoms. I will dream of these flowers. Thank you for sharing.