Orchid trees add delicate color to Xiamen

Bauhinia variegata recently decorates the streets of Xiamen, Fujian province, in white and pink. [Photo by Chen Bo/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Bauhinia variegata — orchid trees — recently decorated the streets of Xiamen, Fujian province, in white and pink.

The flowers, with leaves similar to sheep's feet and petals like butterflies, typically blossom from March to May. There are large seas of Bauhinia variegata along the streets, parks, communities, foot paths and gardens, to create romantic spring scenery.

Xiamen is warm and has enough sunshine for the flower to grow, so it's widely planted across the city.