March sees kapok trees, a signature tree species in the Lingnan areas, in bloom.

The kapok tree at the west entrance to Zimaling Park.

In such places as the former residence of Yang Yin, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Secondary School, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and Zimaling Park, the branches of kapok trees are dotted with fiery red flowers that are striking amid emerald green.

The kapok tree in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Secondary School.

Interestingly, the kapok tree blooms before coming into leaf. The corolla of each huge flower on the branches is about 10 centimeters in diameter.

Red kapok on the branches. 

Blooming kapok is like burning flames.

The kapok tree native to subtropical areas is a common tree in places like Guangdong, Guangxi and Taiwan.

The kapok trees in the former residence of Yang Yin. 

In plant culture, the kapok tree symbolizes heroism. Seen from a distance, kapok trees are just like flaming torches, passionate, spectacular and majestic.

The kapok tree in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Secondary School. (Photo/Wang Yun)