A painting exhibition themed ‘National flowers of ASEAN member countries’ and ‘The colours of Hanoi’s flowers’ is taking place at the Ho Guom Cultural Information Centre, No.2 Le Thai To street, Hanoi, to celebrate the 1,010th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi and Vietnam’s 2020 ASEAN Chairmanship. The painting exhibition aims to introduce a new understanding and perception of the typical flowers of Southeast Asian countries to the people of Hanoi and Vietnam, as well as foreigners, according to Pham Tuan Long, Chairman of the Hoan Kiem district People’s Committee. In the photo is “Sen trang” (white lotus) by artist Bui Duy Khanh. Lotus is the national flower of Vietnam. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
A painting featuring Rumdul, the national flower of Cambodia, is a work by artist Bui Minh Hoa. Hoa said that she is impressed by the special beauty of the flower, which she described as perfect from every view. The unique beauty of the flower inspires her to paint it from various views. Rumdul flower's scientific name is Mitrella mesnyi – Melodorum fruticosum. The tree is 8-12 metres tall. Rumdul are present in almost all the streets of Cambodia and Cambodia's National Flower. For centuries, Khmer women are compared to the flower: always cheerful, witty and exudes ethereal beauty, charming. When immersed in traditional Apsara dance, they like fairies frolic with trees, bringing proliferate for all species. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
‘Hoa gao’ (bombax ceib) by painter Bui Huu Hung. ‘The colors of Hanoi’s flowers’ is expected to take the audience back to old Hanoi landscape with typical flowers such as the bombax ceiba. As March approaches, bombax ceiba, or red silk cotton flowers, also known as “Moc Mien” or “Po Lang”, are in full blossom. The big blossom comes out almost at once, turning trees into living flames. The blossoms remain on the branches for few weeks before falling off, giving way to new leaves. The trees are planted widely in villages. Images of Gao trees growing by communal houses, temples, pagodas and on dykes surrounded by rice fields have become popular in photos, paintings, songs and literature. The species is believed to originate from India, from where it was brought to Malaysia, southern China and Vietnam. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
‘Hoa thach thao’ by painter Nguyen Van Duc. ‘Hoa thach thao’ (European Michaelmas-daisy) is a typical flower of Hanoi autumn. The flower has three main colours of white, pink and purple. It is loved for its gentle beauty like Hanoi young ladies. The works themed ‘The colours of Hanoi’s flowers’ were created by the renown artisans such as Bui Huu Hung, Nguyen Van Duc, Nguyen Cuong, Chu Anh Phuong, Hau Anh, Hoang Duc Dung, Bui Duy Khanh, Tran Tuyet Mai, Hai Kien, Le The Anh, Nguyen Ngoc Tuan, Binh Nhi, Nguyen Quoc Thang, Khong Do Duy, Bui Trong Du, Le Duc Tung, Vu Yen Thanh, Hannah Dao and Le Anh. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
‘Hoa dao va hoa loa ken Hanoi’ by Nguyen Cuong. ‘Hoa dao’ (Peach blossoms) is one of Vietnam’s commonest floral adornments during Tet (Lunar New Year). For Vietnamese people, a Tet festival would not be complete without cherry blossoms flowers. They often get the flower in their houses for Tet, which brings the feel of luck and cheerful. Meanwhile, “hoa loa ken” (Easter lily) is a symbol of Hanoi in summer. The flower often gets full blossom in April. The pure beauty of the flower is the source of inspiration for many artists in Vietnam. Hanoi girls love to wear ‘Ao dai’ and take picture with the flower in its season. (Photo: Vietnamplus) 
Padauk flower, the national flower of Myanmar by painter Nguyen Hong. Myanmar associated with the Thingyan period (New Year of Myanmar, usually mid-April). The Padauk (Pterocarpus Indicus) blossoms in tiny fragrant yellow-gold flowers after the first showers in April, coinciding with the Myanmar New Year festival. Once in bloom, the entire tree turns gold overnight. The Myanmar people regard the Paduak tree as the symbol of strength and durability. The beautiful flower also signifies youth, love and romance. The flower plays an indispensable part in traditional and religious ceremonies. The Padauk can be found throughout the country. The wood of the tree is also used for making furniture. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
‘Hoang lan’ (Cymbidium lowianum) by Le The Anh. Vu Ho, Head of Department of ASEAN Affairs under the MOFA, said that ASEAN is moving towards a cohesive community, which includes connectivity between nations. This connection is expressing deeply and meaningfully through the exhibition, with every nation having its own symbolic flower. The exhibition offered an opportunity for all to exchange and understand more about the cultures of each country in the bloc, while the flowers also bring hope and confidence in an increasingly strong and cohesive ASEAN in the future. The introduction of the national flowers of ASEAN member countries aims to bring a new understanding and perception of the typical flowers of Southeast Asian countries to the public of the capital city in particular and to Vietnamese people in general. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
‘Hoa phong lan’ (orchid) by painter Hannah Dao. The best known orchid in Singapore is the national flower, Vanda Miss Joaquim. The orchid is a hybrid and was named after its breeder. The orchid bears an exquisitely beautiful (purple) color and shape. It blooms throughout the year. Its unique features won it the status of the official national flower of Singapore, over forty contenders, in 1981. Vanda Miss Joaquim is commonly planted in Singapore. It is a free flowering plant and each inflorescence can bear up to 12 buds, and usually 4 flower blossom at a time. Each flower measures 5 cm across and 6 cm tall. The petals are twisted such that the back surface faces the front like its parents. The two petals on the top and the top sepal are rosy-violet, while the two lateral sepals on the lower half are pale mauve. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
‘Hoa dai tuong quan’ (dai tuong quan flower, which has scientific name of Crinum asiaticum, locally known as ‘Hoa nang’) is a work by painter Bui Duy Khanh. At the exhibition, the audience can enjoy the ASEAN national flower paintings made by Vietnamese artists, featuring the national flowers of all ASEAN member states. Each national flower picture of each country has been carefully researched by the artists, as they have been learning about the unique cultures and characteristics of each nation in the region, from which they reflected such cultural features by their richest, most uplifting and emotional colours by themselves. The exhibition will run until October 12. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
Simpor - the national flower of Brunei by painter Bui Minh Hoa. The flower symbolises the prosperity of Brunei. The Simpor (Dillenia Suffruticosa) has large bright yellow petals. When fully in bloom, the petals spreading out like an umbrella. The image of the Simpor flower is found on the Brunei one-dollar bank note. It is also widely used in Brunei in art design for traditional handicrafts. The Simpor is commonly found along the rivers in Brunei, especially the Temburong River, and also at swamp or white sand areas. Most parts of the tree have multiple uses, for instance, the treatment of wounds. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
One of the three national flowers of Indonesia by painter Le Vinh. The national flower of Indonesia is Melati putih (Jasminum sambac), while the Flower of charm is Anggrek Bulan (Moon Orchid) (Phalaenopsis amabilis), and Rare flower is Padma Raksasa Rafflesia (Rafflesia arnoldii). The Moon Orchid or Angrek bulan (Phalaenopsis Amabilis) is one of Indonesia’s three national flowers. The other two are Jasminum sambac and the Rafflesia arnoldii. The Moon Orchid is one of the longest blooming orchids. The inflorescence is branched and can last from two to six months before dropping. The Moon Orchid usually blooms two to three times a year once it has reached maturity. It thrives in moist temperature so it is widely found in the lowlands of Indonesia. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
‘Hoa violet’ (violet flower) by Tran Hau Anh. Vietnam and other countries are living in the context of the complicated developments of COVID-19 pandemic, which has posed adverse impacts to people’s health and the global economy. This is not an exhibition exclusively for Hanoi or Vietnamese people but for the general community to inspire confidence and hope for a better future of the ASEAN community. At the event, through the harmonious arrangements of flowers, the beauty of each country is displayed. This year, Vietnam is the Chairman of ASEAN and one of its tasks is to promote the image of Vietnam and ASEAN member countries together. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
‘Hoa ban’ by painter Khong Do Duy is the popular spring flower festival of the north and northwestern regions. Ban flower (scientifically known as Bauhinia Variegata) is grown along many streets in Hanoi. The exhibition is co-organised by the Foreign Ministry’s Department of ASEAN Affairs and the Hoan Kiem district People’s Committee, with the participation of artists from the Vietnam Art and Cultural Diplomacy Commission and the national flower painting group. It aims to introduce a new understanding and perception of the typical flowers of Southeast Asian countries to Vietnamese people and foreigners, according to Pham Tuan Long, Chairman of the Hoan Kiem district People’s Committee. The exhibition also offers an opportunity for visitors to understand more about the culture of each country in the region. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
‘Hoa phong lan’, the national flower of Singapore by painter Dao Huong. Vu Ho, head of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, said that each flower introduced at the exhibition symbolises the beauty of each ASEAN country. At the event, through the harmonious arrangements of flowers, the beauty of each country is displayed. This year, Vietnam is the Chairman of ASEAN and one of its tasks is to promote the image of Vietnam and ASEAN member countries together. “This painting exhibition offers an opportunity for visitors to understand more about the culture of each country in the region, and that is what we look forward to”, he said. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 
‘Bo cap vang’ (Ratchaphruek), the national flower of Thailand - a work by painter Nguyen Tuan Anh. Known locally as the ratchaphruek, the official botanical name of the tree bearing Thailand's national flower is the Cassia Fistula Linn. The tree might also be called the chaiyaphruek and the actual flower may be referred to as dok koon. The Ratchaphruek (Cassia Fistula Linn) tree bears beautiful yellow cluster-shaped flowers. The Thai people regard its yellow hue as the colour of Buddhism and the colour of glory. Ratchaphruek blooms annually from February to May and symbolises the unity and harmony of the Thai people. While the flowers are blossoming, the tree sheds its leaves, leaving only bright yellow flowers hanging on its branches. The Ratchaphruek is widely known in Thailand and is grown in abundance along the roadsides. (Photo: VietnamPlus) VNA
