Koelreuteria henryi
Flamegold is a beautiful native plant of Taiwan, found in the sunnyside broad-leaved forests at low elevations across the island. The change with seasons is distinct. In spring, fresh green leaves sprout from the bare branches, while in summer, the lush green foliage provides shade for passersby. As summer comes to an end, the tree is adorned with bright yellow flowers that create waves of dazzling golden blooms in the breeze, prompting people to gaze upward with admiration. Picking up a small flower that has fallen with the wind, one can observe that the tiny yellow flower, no larger than a fingernail, has a hint of red at its base, seemingly heralding the vibrant red of the next season. Once the yellow flowers have fallen, charming bright red fruits that resemble lanterns make their appearance. In late summer and early autumn, the simultaneous presence of green leaves, bright yellow flowers, and vivid red fruits creates a captivating landscape, marking the most beautiful time of the year for the Flamegold. As the fruits gradually change from bright red to reddish-brown, the leaves also shift to a golden hue. When the cold winter winds blow, the entire tree sways, shedding a carpet of golden leaves, leaving only the dark brown trunk standing proudly against the cold wind, waiting for the return of its splendor in the coming year.
Taiwanese indigenous people have also observed the obvious seasonal changes of this plant. The Rukai people in southern Taiwan say, “If a typhoon comes when the Flamegold turns red, it will be very severe.” The Puyuma people in the southeast say, “When the Flamegold turns red, remember to remind the daughter that if something of that color flows out from that place, congratulations on her growing up, and also warn her that she should not be alone with any man until she gets married.” This shows that the indigenous people have noticed the characteristic of the Flamegold bearing red fruits in autumn and have used its red fruit as a metaphor to teach future generations.