Sojourn in the South Pacific

This blog on New Caledonia is for those of you who ever wondered what life on a tiny island in the South Pacific might be like. Tired of bracing winter winds, the stress of an inner city or simply dreaming of a life change? This is a blog about what happens when, in the words of Yogi Berra, "you come to a fork in the road, [and] take it".

11 December 2006

Christmas Trees of the South Pacific

Photos by Laurent Guiader, 2006.

These photos were taken just down our street the other day. Such is the weather here in Nouméa in December. And these fabulous red trees are in bloom at this time of year: they are everywhere! I think of them as the Christmas trees of the South Pacific - but they are called "flamboyants". I am yet to find the English-language name. I'd be grateful if anyone knows ...

And while we are at it, we'd like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! To all our family and friends, to all our faithful readers, may this holiday season be chockful of warmth, laughter, fun and love (lots of it)! Gros bisous - Julie, Laurent, Sophie and Pablo

Posted by JHG at 2:25 PM

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5 comments:

Sharon said...

Hi Julie: It seems there are a number of English language names for the tree, including Royal Poinciana, Flamboyant Tree (also in English), Flame Tree, and Peacock Flower. The genus/species is Delonix regia. Google 'Royal Poinciana' and you'll turn up more than you could ever want to know about them!

2:30 AM
Anonymous said...

When we were planning our trip to NC and told the family we were coming in June, they said we should plan it for the winter because it was so much more beautiful then. OUR winter--their summer, but circumstances were such that we had to come in June. Now I see what they meant. We didn't get to see these "flamboyant" trees in person, so thank you for the pictures. Do you know how long the blooms last?

8:57 AM
JHG said...

Thanks so much, Sharon, for the information. WONDERFUL. I shall no longer live in fear of never knowing their names.

I'm not sure how long the blooms last, Ruth, but I'll be sure to let you know. (For the moment, they've lasted a couple of weeks already.)

All the best!

12:21 PM
Anonymous said...

Wow...beautiful trees! And interesting! Glad I fell on your blog :)

Have a wonderful Christmas

tea
xo

3:06 PM
Anonymous said...

That looks like it was absolutely beautiful.

4:55 PM

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