Top 10 Explanatory Essays on the Trees I Love, the Most Diverse and Fascinating

Each year, as the vibrant yellow of the apricot flowers brightens the South, the cool spring air ushers in the blooming of peach blossoms. The peach blossom has long been an essential symbol of spring in the North.

Peach blossoms are most commonly found in temperate climates. The peach tree has been present in Vietnam for centuries. When spring arrives, a visit to flower villages such as Nhật Tân and Ngọc Hoà in Hanoi reveals rows upon rows of peach trees. In the northern mountains, natural forests of peach trees can be found, with blossoming branches all around.

The scientific name of the peach is Prunus Persica. The peach tree belongs to the rose family, with a small wooden trunk, growing to a height of 5 to 10 meters, and leaves shaped like a spearhead. The flowers grow alone, in shades of pink or white, with five soft, velvety petals. The flowers have a bell-shaped calyx, and their petals have a fine, delicate texture. The peach family is rich in variety. Based on the number of petals, peaches are categorized into single and double varieties. Based on color, there are pink, red, white, and dark red types. However, the most beautiful is the pink peach, with its vibrant petals and a round, well-balanced blossom. The pale pink peach exudes a fresh, youthful charm, while the white peach is rarer and harder to grow. The dark red peach has smaller blossoms and a deeper red hue.

The peach blossom can only be grown in the North and blooms specifically during spring. However, cultivating peaches to bloom at the right time for the Lunar New Year requires skill and experience. Poet Xuân Sách once described the process of making the flowers bloom just in time for the holiday:

"Strip the leaves, let the branches bare, In the tree’s frustration, blossoms will appear."

In November of the lunar calendar, people typically remove the leaves to allow the sap to collect in the branches, encouraging the buds to form. Depending on the weather, whether hot or cold, peach growers must adjust the process to encourage or delay blooming. The peach blossoms bloom at the end of winter and the beginning of spring, as the cold recedes and warmth sets in. Amid light drizzle, the peach blossoms unfurl, capturing the essence of heaven and earth. The petals are thin, soft, and velvet-like. Peaches bloom one by one, not in clusters. Peach blossoms last for 4-5 days before wilting. While beautiful, cultivating the perfect peach branch for the New Year is no easy task. Growing peaches for fruit is relatively low-maintenance, but growing them for decoration requires careful attention. The branches must be pruned and shaped meticulously. About 15 days before the Lunar New Year, the leaves are removed to encourage a plentiful bloom by the first day of the holiday.

Peach blossoms bring a touch of elegance to gardens and homes during the New Year, alongside the iconic green sticky rice cake and red couplets. The peach branch adds warmth to every family’s celebration. The price of a peach branch varies, from 30,000-45,000 VND, while in flower villages, each tree may cost anywhere from 100,000 VND to 1 million VND, depending on the variety. Peach blossoms are also a part of the New Year tradition of adorning homes with decorative plants. Many people take pride in shaping and trimming the branches according to their artistic taste. Peach blossoms hold a sacred place, alongside the green sticky rice cake, in the traditional Tet celebrations. Tourists visiting Vietnam often choose to bring home a branch of peach blossoms as a souvenir. For those living abroad, gazing at a peach blossom evokes memories of home. Since ancient times, the peach blossom has been a beloved subject in poetry, with prominent works such as Nguyễn Du’s *The Tale of Kiều* and Vũ Đình Liên’s *The Scholar* featuring the vibrant red peach blossoms. In *The Tale of Kiều*, Nguyễn Du expresses the nostalgia of past times with the imagery of peach blossoms:

"Last year’s peach blossoms still smile in the winter wind."

The beauty of the peach blossom during Tet is captured in the lines:

"A single peach blossom proudly blooms, Spring’s vitality beams with a radiant smile."

Furthermore, the peach blossom has medicinal properties. It is used to create beauty products for smooth, soft, and radiant skin. Along with other herbal ingredients, it is also an effective remedy for treating illnesses such as edema and constipation. Renowned physician Tuệ Tĩnh frequently mentioned the medicinal uses of peach blossoms in his famous medical book.

As society progresses and new luxuries emerge for Tet, peach blossoms remain beloved by all. Despite the extravagant offerings, people still wish for a beautiful peach tree to adorn their homes during this time of year.

Roses have existed for a long time, originating from temperate and subtropical regions in the Northern Hemisphere. In our country, roses can be found everywhere, from mountainous areas to the plains. As a flower of perfection, with vibrant colors and a royal fragrance, roses are highly cherished by many, becoming a familiar part of daily life.

There are many varieties of roses, some originating locally, and others coming from China and Europe. The most common type is the red rose, a low shrub with soft branches, growing in clumps. Its petals are few but bright red, blooming all year round, and are often grown in pots or planters placed at the front of homes. There are many varieties of roses, each with different colors, fragrances, and care requirements. The cinnamon rose blooms in clusters at the tips of branches, with small red flowers and bright yellow stamens, releasing a fragrant aroma. Women often use cinnamon roses to offer to Buddha during the full moon or on the first day of the lunar month. The white rose has many layers of soft, thin petals and a mild fragrance, used to decorate living rooms. Its petals, when combined with honey and kumquat, make an excellent remedy for children's coughs. The white veined rose has larger flowers, with pale pinkish-white petals, a medium-sized plant with remarkable resilience. The velvet rose has large blooms with dark red petals, long-lasting, and a strong fragrance, making it very valuable.

The roses mentioned above can be found everywhere, from rural areas to cities, with many planted in parks, drawing the admiration of tourists. However, rose lovers cannot overlook the wild rose, also called the “wild rose” or “climbing rose,” a small plant with soft branches that spreads widely. The wild rose blooms in small, adorable clusters, adding a poetic and peaceful touch to walls, decorating homes and streets. In recent years, imported rose varieties have been grown in modern greenhouses in Da Lat, following advanced cultivation techniques. Dutch roses are deep red or orange-yellow, while French roses are bright yellow, each flower blooms singly with thick petals that last longer, making them ideal for export and for the growing demand in large cities.

Roses are relatively easy to grow and adapt to different climates. They can be propagated by air layering or cutting. Select healthy branches, neither too old nor too young, remove a ring of bark, and cover it with a mixture of mud and compost, tie it tightly, water daily, and wait for the roots to form. After some time, when the layers grow new shoots, fertilize them to promote growth. Roses thrive in sunlight and need moderate moisture. However, they are susceptible to pests such as stem borers, caterpillars, and leaf-eating worms. Thus, growers must regularly apply pesticides, remove pests, and prune old leaves to ensure the plant stays healthy. Once a year, the plant should be pruned, and every few years, a heavy pruning near the ground will rejuvenate the rose.

Roses bloom throughout the year, but they blossom most abundantly during spring. In the early morning, gazing at freshly bloomed roses, their petals sparkling with morning dew and their scent wafting in the air, one feels a joyful sense of life. Young people often use roses to express passionate and sincere love. Roses are celebrated as the queen of flowers – forever beautifying human life with their elegance.

When thinking of Vietnam, it is impossible to overlook the image of the banana tree. The banana is a familiar and close companion in human life. Everywhere, from the countryside to the streets, we can spot the lush green banana leaves. The banana tree plays a significant role in the lives of people.

Belonging to the banana family, the banana tree is a fruit-bearing plant that has been domesticated for centuries. The banana tree originates from Southeast Asia. Today, it is estimated that around three hundred varieties of bananas are grown and consumed worldwide. In Vietnam, the banana tree comes from wild varieties and is commonly grown in rural areas, especially near ponds, forests, streams, or valleys. Bananas are categorized into different types. Essentially, there are bananas for consumption and bananas grown for their leaves. Common banana varieties in Vietnam include the ripe banana, the West Indian banana, the Emperor banana, the Quay banana, the Sứ banana, the Bomb banana, and the Crow banana. There are also imported varieties, such as the Laba banana (from France) and the Dacca banana (from Central America).

The banana tree has an underground stem known as the banana rhizome. The main stem lies beneath the soil, while the visible stem above ground is a false one, growing upright and circular, composed of many layers of tightly packed sheaths, slightly porous on the inside, with a smooth and glossy surface. The banana leaves grow in large, broad bunches. Initially, the young banana shoots are still green, and the leaves expand to a darker shade of green. As they age, the leaves gradually turn yellowish and droop to make room for fresh leaves. As the banana tree matures, it starts to bear bunches of bananas. Each tree produces a bunch consisting of several clusters, each containing many bananas. The banana bunch grows from the flower that emerges from the stem. Among the green leaves, the banana flower blooms like a pink flame, illuminating the canopy. The flowers are arranged in two spiral rows, forming banana clusters. Gradually, the bracts fall off, revealing the young bananas. When unripe, bananas are dark green, but they turn yellow as they ripen.

In Vietnamese culture, the banana tree is a highly useful plant, with its trunk, leaves, flowers, and fruit all serving different purposes. The fruit provides essential sugars to fuel the body. Bananas are easy to digest and promote healthy eyesight and skin, keeping the skin smooth and glowing. The banana trunk can be used to feed cattle, pigs, and goats. The young banana stem, along with the rhizome, can be sliced and eaten with snails or eels to neutralize the strong odor, enhancing the flavor of dishes. Banana leaves are commonly used to wrap cakes and sticky rice. When dried, they can serve as fuel. The banana flowers, once fully bloomed, can be used to make salads or boiled dishes. Bananas are often used for offerings during festivals or ceremonies. On the full moon or first day of the lunar month, ripe bananas are offered. They are also an essential fruit in the five-fruit tray during Tet holidays.

The banana tree thrives in fertile soil, especially in riverbanks and alluvial land. A banana plant's growth cycle is relatively short, about one year. Each banana tree only bears fruit once, after which it is cut down to allow new shoots to grow. A mother banana tree can produce several offspring, which in turn grow rapidly. Due to their quick growth and the fact that they bear fruit fast, bananas are favored by farmers. If the banana tree is attacked by pests, the infected leaves can be removed, and the pests can be caught. During the flowering stage, it is necessary to support the tree to prevent it from toppling over. When harvesting, care must be taken to avoid damaging or dropping the bunches.

Alongside other common plants like betel, areca, and coconut, the banana tree symbolizes simplicity and tranquility in rural life. The banana tree has existed for millennia, offering its beauty to humans. It is a symbol of natural harmony, the Earth's bounty, and rural Vietnam.

One of the plants that has a deep and enduring connection with the life and culture of the Vietnamese people is the bamboo tree. When we speak of bamboo, we can't help but proudly call it the 'Vietnamese bamboo,' symbolizing its indispensable role in the country’s heritage.

Bamboo is commonly found at village gates, near communal houses, alongside trees like the banyan, wells, and temple yards — a typical sight in rural Vietnam. Bamboo stands in clusters, forming fences or protective barriers. These bamboo groves grow tall, dense, and stretch upwards, almost as if to shield the lives beneath them. The bamboo plant grows straight and tall, with a slender appearance, yet it is remarkably resilient and flexible.

The roots of bamboo are fibrous and slender, but they grip the earth firmly, preventing the plant from being blown over by strong winds. The bamboo stalk is round, dark green, and slender, but surprisingly strong, not easily broken or bent. The stalk features joints with a slight yellowish hue. Bamboo branches grow close to the ground, with small, thorny spikes. The leaves are long, narrow, and sharp, about half the size of a mango leaf, delicate but resistant to wilting. Bamboo belongs to a vast family, with numerous varieties like Đồng Nai bamboo, Nứa, Mai, Vầu from Vietnam's northern regions, and Lam Sơn bamboo. Whether young or mature, all types of bamboo grow straight, standing proud towards the sky, refusing to bend.

Despite its simple structure, bamboo has many practical uses and plays an essential role in the daily lives of the Vietnamese people, especially the farmers. In the past, when brick houses and tiled roofs were not common, bamboo was used for roofing, wall panels, and as a barrier against sun and rain for many families. It was also utilized in handicrafts, woven into baskets, and other handy items for market trips or farm work.

Bamboo was used to make handles for hoes, plows, and other farming tools, helping farmers toil through long hours under the sun for bountiful harvests. Bamboo became a trusted companion for shepherding children and elderly people, who crafted pipes or walking sticks from its stems. The women of the village also wore bamboo clogs, adding to their grace. Bamboo has truly been a loyal friend to farmers throughout history.

During times of peace, bamboo served as a daily necessity for the Vietnamese people, but when the nation faced hardship, bamboo turned into a powerful weapon. As “bamboo protected the villages, the land, the thatched roofs, and the rice fields” (Thép Mới), during a time when modern weapons were scarce, the durability and strength of bamboo became a vital resource in the nation's defense.

Since childhood, we have been taught about the legend of the hero Saint Giong, who bent bamboo along the road to defeat invading forces. There is also the historical event when Ngô Quyền used bamboo stakes and took advantage of the tides to defeat the Southern Han army at the Battle of Bạch Đằng River in 938, ending over a thousand years of Chinese domination and marking the beginning of Vietnam’s independence. These events highlight the crucial role bamboo played in Vietnam’s struggle for independence.

Bamboo also carries symbolic meaning, representing the virtues of unity and resilience. Bamboo always grows in clusters, never alone, symbolizing solidarity and collective strength — values that have been passed down through generations.

Its upright and resilient growth, coupled with its flexibility, perfectly embodies the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people, who despite facing adversity, never lose their noble character and strong resolve. These qualities reflect the heart of the Vietnamese identity, making bamboo synonymous with the Vietnamese people. That is why we proudly call it Vietnamese bamboo.

Bamboo is beautiful and invaluable. It symbolizes an enduring legacy, with new shoots growing from older bamboo, just as one generation’s life force is passed to the next, ensuring its continuity. Even though modern materials have replaced bamboo in many areas, it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of the Vietnamese people, forever an invaluable treasure.

Throughout Vietnam’s rich history, bamboo has been intertwined with the land and its people, supporting each other through difficult times, and leaving an indelible mark on the country’s culture. The image of bamboo has become inseparable from the eternal cultural legacy of the Vietnamese people, a revered companion of the nation.

"The coconut tree spreads its leaves wide

Reaching out to welcome the wind, bowing to greet the moon."

The coconut tree has become an iconic image to many. Who hasn't had the chance to savor the refreshing taste of coconut water? In Vietnam, coconut trees are predominantly found along coastal regions, with a concentration from Quảng Ngãi to Cà Mau, especially in Bình Định and Bến Tre.

There is much debate over the origin of the coconut tree. Some scholars believe it comes from Southeast Asia, while others argue it originated in the northwestern part of South America. Regardless of its origin, this fruit is beloved worldwide. Coconuts thrive in tropical climates, growing on sandy soils, and are incredibly resilient. These trees flourish best in areas with high humidity (around 70-80%). This is why they are commonly planted along coastal areas, where they can grow optimally. There are several varieties of coconuts, such as the Siamese coconut (smaller but sweeter), the Nếp coconut (green and yellow), and the Fire coconut (with red leaves and yellowish-pink fruit). No matter the type, each variety holds unique beauty.

The coconut tree can grow incredibly tall, reaching heights comparable to that of a multi-story building, its leaves stretching to bask in the sunlight and embrace the wind. The tree’s roots are not large but spread into numerous small tendrils, digging deep into the soil to absorb nutrients. The trunk is slender, about the size of a child’s embrace, but rises high. Its surface is rough and brown, with evenly spaced rings from the base to the top. From this trunk, large, long leaves unfurl, reaching skyward like outstretched arms, protecting the tree from the harsh winds of the sea. Each leaf is lined with small, narrow leaflets that grow closer to the tips. Beneath these leaves, clusters of large, green coconuts can be found, round and pleasing to the eye. The coconut itself is large and heavy, resembling a ball from a distance. Its hard, thick green shell encases a soft, white flesh that surrounds the coconut water inside. The water isn't overly sweet, but has a mild, refreshing taste that provides a cooling sensation when consumed.

The coconut tree offers many benefits to people. As mentioned, coconut water is a popular and highly favored drink, especially during hot summer days. It is also used in cooking, such as for dipping sauces or in braised meat and fish dishes. The coconut flesh can be used to make jams, coconut milk, or coconut oil, all of which are rich in nutrients. The hard shell of the coconut can be transformed into activated charcoal or fuel. Moreover, other parts of the coconut tree are useful as well: the strong trunk can be used to build poles or bridges, while the large leaves are ideal for roofing houses.

Thus, the coconut tree not only enhances the beauty of the landscape but also serves a variety of practical purposes. Its many uses make it an indispensable resource, so it is important for each of us to care for and protect these trees to ensure their continued growth and development.

Across the vast landscapes of our beloved Vietnam, the air is filled with the fragrance of blooming flowers and the sweetness of ripe fruits. Each region offers its own unique fruits, each with a distinct flavor. The guava is one such fruit that is adored by many. The guava tree is a popular fruit-bearing tree in our country.

The guava tree has long been a familiar part of the Vietnamese lifestyle, especially in the simple and peaceful rural areas. A member of the Myrtle family, the guava is an evergreen fruit tree. Native to Brazil and tropical regions of the Americas, it spread to tropical Asia. While no one knows exactly when the guava tree first appeared in Vietnam, it is well-known that it has long grown wild in mountainous areas or was cultivated in gardens around homes for its delicious fruit.

The guava tree has many varieties, including common ones like the găng guava, thóc guava, as well as more unique types like the buffalo guava, bo guava, peach guava, fat guava, and turmeric guava. These names may sound odd, but they highlight the diversity of guava types. Notably, the peach and turmeric varieties, although smaller than the larger buffalo and bo guavas, are incredibly sweet and aromatic.

In terms of size, the guava tree is smaller compared to its relatives like the longan, lychee, or mango trees. Its average height is about 6 to 7 meters, with the tallest reaching up to 10 meters, and its trunk diameter typically only around 30 cm. Newer guava varieties tend to be even smaller and shorter. The guava tree branches and twigs grow quickly, making the trunk sturdy and compact. The bark is smooth and often free from pests that tend to hollow out the trunks of other fruit trees like lychee or longan. As the tree ages, the bark peels off, revealing a new layer that is smooth and a beautiful grayish-green color. Its roots form clusters that reach deep into the soil to absorb nutrients. The guava tree has numerous branches, each covered in oval, green leaves about half the size of a hand. The leaves are lined with evenly spaced veins, and they feel slightly rough to the touch. The aroma of the guava leaves is soft and pleasant.

Like other fruit trees, the guava tree flowers before bearing fruit. The flowers are white and grow in clusters of two or three, usually in the leaf axils rather than at the branch tips. The five-petaled flowers encase a yellow stamen and tiny pollen grains inside. Guava trees bloom in March to April, marking the end of spring and the beginning of summer. However, the fruit only ripens around the transitional period of autumn, from August to September. The guava fruit is plump, with a shape that varies by variety—it may be spherical, oval, or pear-shaped, each presenting a vibrant, eye-catching appearance. The size of the guava fruit varies depending on the variety; for example, thóc guava is smaller than găng guava, while peach guava is larger, and some guava varieties can even reach the size of a pear. Each fruit has a scar at the top where the stem attaches. The skin is thin and smooth, and the flesh inside is firm and ranges from white to pink or yellow. Guavas contain numerous seeds, though seedless varieties have been developed in recent years. The flavor is mildly sweet, with crisp flesh that complements its refreshing taste, creating a distinct flavor unique to guava.

The guava tree is not only beloved for its fruit but also valued for its various other benefits. The guava's sweet aroma and delightful flavor make it a favorite fruit for many. In fact, guavas are exported to international markets and receive positive feedback from consumers worldwide. Fresh guavas can be eaten directly from the tree, or they can be turned into sweet, fragrant jam, bottled guava juice, or candy. Every part of the tree, including the young leaves, buds, fruit, bark, and roots, has medicinal uses, offering safe, natural remedies. In traditional Vietnamese medicine, guava leaves are used to detoxify, while the fruit is both delicious and beneficial for skin health and digestion. The young leaves and buds are traditionally used to treat stomachaches, and the fresh leaves have been applied to bruises and wounds to stop bleeding. There are many other uses for this versatile tree.

Today, despite the development of many new fruit varieties, the guava remains a cherished part of Vietnamese culture. During Tet or Mid-Autumn Festival, it is impossible to imagine a fruit platter without the green, sweet guava. For these reasons, the guava tree holds a special place in our lives and should be preserved and appreciated.

Just as the defining feature of spring is the light drizzle and the blooming of peach and apricot flowers, summer brings its own distinct mark through the sweet and refreshing taste of fruits. It’s the red phượng flower adorning the sky, the purple bylang trees blending with white ao daisies, and the juicy sweetness of watermelon or the rich flavor of sweet potatoes. Summer also belongs to the lychee fruit—a tropical delight that ripens under the intense heat of the summer sun, now a beloved specialty in Vietnam.

The lychee tree is a woody perennial, part of the Sapindaceae family, originally from southern China. After being introduced to Vietnam, it flourishes especially in Thanh Hà, Hải Dương Province, and Lục Ngạn in Bắc Giang Province. A mature lychee tree typically stands between 5 and 10 meters tall. Its lush green canopy spreads out generously around its base. The lychee leaves are pinnate, with two leaflets slightly curved away from the main vein, arranged alternately on each branch. Lychee flowers are light greenish-white, grouped in clusters that stand out amid the dense foliage. In the blazing summer sun, these blossoms gradually give way to bunches of plump fruit. The immature lychee has a light green skin, rough in texture. As it ripens, the skin turns deep red and smoothens. The fruit’s seed is dark, encased in a translucent, juicy, sweet-tasting white flesh. The flavor of ripe lychees is uniquely sweet.

Thanks to its refreshing sweetness, lychee appeals to all ages. It often serves as a dessert following meals. On hot summer days, chilled lychee makes for a perfect thirst-quenching treat. The seeds, once removed, can be combined with lotus seeds to make a flavorful dessert. In some regions, the lychee tree is even regarded as an ornamental plant, adding vibrant green to homes. However, lychee has a warm nature, and overconsumption can lead to skin irritations or mouth ulcers. Therefore, it is recommended to eat lychee in moderation to enjoy its unique taste without side effects.

Lychee ripens at the start of summer, and thus, the harvesting season begins in the spring. From January to February, preparations are made for the new crop. By mid-March, the tree starts flowering, and the fruit gradually forms. The harvest typically takes place between August and September when the fruit reaches its peak ripeness and sweetness.

Like any other tree, the lychee requires specific care. When planting, dig a hole around 20 cm deep, place the sapling in the center, and cover with soil. The crucial step is to compact the soil firmly by hand. Afterward, surround the area with a fence to protect the sapling from external factors. During the tree’s growth, ensure it receives adequate water, nutrients, and pest control at the right times and doses.

In today’s rapidly developing society, lychee has become a prized agricultural commodity, widely sold across Vietnam. The fruit, especially the Thanh Hà variety, holds substantial economic value, helping numerous families rise out of poverty and bringing fame to the Red River Delta region and Vietnamese agriculture as a whole. With advancements in science and technology, new varieties of lychees that are juicy, small-seeded, and resistant to pests have garnered international attention, leading to exports to countries like China, France, and other Southeast Asian nations.

It is not an exaggeration to say that lychee is a star fruit in the summer feast, showcasing both fragrance and sweetness. The lychee tree has become a familiar and cherished part of Vietnam, closely tied to the country’s bright summer sun. It’s a gift that every Vietnamese abroad brings home when visiting. It is hoped that, with continued technological innovation, new varieties of lychees will emerge, even tastier and more appealing, so that this beloved fruit will reach even more people globally, spreading the reputation of Vietnamese lychee worldwide.

Fruits are some of the healthiest foods we can consume. In the beautiful country of Vietnam, there are countless nutritious fruits like plums, pears, apples, and watermelon. Every fruit is beneficial to humans, and fruit-bearing trees have long been familiar companions, especially the mango tree.

The mango originates from South Asia and Southeast Asia, from where it spread globally to become one of the most commonly cultivated fruits in tropical regions. In Vietnam, mangoes are most widely grown in the Mekong Delta and several regions in Central and Northern Vietnam. The Hòa Lộc variety is one of the most renowned mango varieties from the Mekong Delta, cherished for its vibrant color, fragrant aroma, and high nutritional value.

The mango is a tropical fruit tree, with its exact origin still debated, but sources suggest it is native to Eastern India and surrounding areas such as Myanmar, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Mango trees have deep, secure roots that often extend about two meters from the base and thrive in moist, sandy soils. The mango tree itself is a large, sturdy, tall tree with a dark brown trunk. Its leaves are simple, smooth-edged, alternate, and lance-shaped with a fragrant aroma and a fresh green hue. Mango trees bloom with stunning flowers that form in clusters at the branch tips, each cluster measuring around 30 cm and containing 200-400 small yellow flowers with green buds. Each cluster has both bisexual and male flowers. The most notable part of the mango tree is its fruit. Mangoes have three distinct layers: the thin outer skin, which can be peeled away or eaten depending on preference; the fleshy interior; and the oval-shaped white seed at the core. When unripe, mangoes are green in color and sour to taste, with the sourness varying depending on the fruit’s ripeness. Once ripened, the skin turns a bright yellow, and the taste transforms into a sweet, refreshing flavor. Depending on the variety, mangoes may bear fruit three to four times a year, with the tree’s age, weather conditions, and care affecting this cycle. Some popular varieties include Chu mango, Hòa Lộc mango, Tứ Quý mango, and Thanh Ca mango, among others.

The mango provides shade, leaves, branches, and flowers. The tiny flowers, like stars scattered across a vast sky, grow in clusters at the branch tips. Each cluster can hold up to 200-400 blossoms. As with many fruit-bearing trees, it is the mango’s flowers that give rise to the fruit. Once the flowers mature and fall, the mango fruit begins to form. The mango is tapered at both ends but bulges in the middle. When young, the fruit is deep green, but as it ripens and is ready for harvest, it turns yellow or green with yellow hues. The bright yellow color, reminiscent of summer sunshine, makes mangoes a favorite fruit of the season, offering a balanced blend of sweetness and tang, not as sharp as sugarcane or as sour as lime. Its appealing appearance and delicious taste, combined with a light yet enticing fragrance, make mangoes an indispensable summer delicacy. However, like all fruits, excessive consumption of mangoes may cause side effects such as diarrhea, skin rashes, or swelling. It is also advisable not to eat mangoes, especially unripe ones, on an empty stomach, as it may irritate the stomach. People who have fever or open wounds should avoid consuming ripe mangoes to prevent adverse reactions.

In addition to being a nutritious fruit, the mango tree also has medicinal uses. The peel of ripe mangoes, like the fruit itself, has a hemostatic effect and can be used to stop uterine bleeding, treat intestinal bleeding, and in liquid form, it can be taken in doses of 10g mixed with 120ml water, consuming a teaspoon every one or two hours. For toothaches and gum infections, dried mango peel is combined with tamarind and soapberry fruits, ground into a fine powder, and applied to the affected area after cleaning. The mango seed is used in some countries like Malaysia, India, and Brazil to treat intestinal worms, uterine bleeding, hemorrhoids, and dysentery. For dysentery, 20-25g of dried mango seed is ground and boiled with 2 liters of water until it reduces to 1 liter, filtered, then mixed with 300-400g of sugar and boiled again to 1 liter. This mixture should be taken two to three times a day in 50-60g doses.

Each tree brings its unique beauty and value to human life, and the mango tree is no exception. The mango tree is not only a source of material value but also carries spiritual significance, evoking memories for each of us.

The Coconut is not just a fruit tree or ornamental plant, but it is a common sight in many rural areas of Vietnam. The coconut tree has become deeply intertwined with the lives of the Vietnamese people, symbolizing rural life, particularly in the coconut-rich region of Ben Tre. “Who stands like a coconut tree, with long hair flowing in the wind, could it be that the person is still there, the daughter of Ben Tre…” This verse evokes the spirit of the land and brings memories of Ben Tre, the birthplace of the uprising. When people think of Ben Tre, they imagine a tranquil countryside with healthy trees bearing bountiful fruits.

The Coconut is grown widely across the villages of the Mekong Delta, especially in Ben Tre and Binh Dinh. The coconut tree has several parts: the trunk, leaves, flowers, clusters, and fruits. The trunk grows to a height of around 20–25 meters, with segments resembling tiger stripes, typically dark brown, and about 45 cm in diameter. Ornamental coconut trees usually have green trunks with multiple segments, with the uppermost segment where the large leaves grow and spread out. The coconut leaves are large, green, and consist of several leaflets that turn yellow as they age, becoming brown. The coconut flowers are small, white, and form clusters. After flowering, the tree bears fruit, with coconuts growing in clusters. Each tree produces several clusters, with each cluster containing 5 to 10 coconuts, and some varieties yield over 20.

The coconut industry has great potential for production and export, and a processing technology has developed around it: treating it to prevent termites, shaping, polishing, and applying waterproof coatings to the products. Handcrafted coconut items, such as bags, plates, cups, vases, teacups, chopsticks, trays, and boxes, have become increasingly popular in Western countries. The coconut is versatile; the stripped leaves are used for weaving baskets, making brooms, and more. The coconut shell is used for activated charcoal, as cups, plates, and bowls. The trunk is used for chopsticks, house beams, or other products. During the hot season, coconut water serves as a refreshing, clean, and nutritious drink. The mature coconut’s flesh is used to create various food and beverages, coconut oil, and soap. Vietnam produces many coconut-based products like coconut cakes, candies, jams, and traditional dishes such as coconut “banh tet” and grilled bananas.

The Coconut is not just valued for its fruit, but its other parts are also put to various uses. The trunk is used to build small bridges over ditches. Due to its durability, the trunk is also used as beams and columns for houses, or made into crafted items like cups and chopsticks. Fresh coconut flowers are used for decorative purposes. The tender coconut shoots can be made into salads, battered, or stir-fried, making them suitable for vegetarians. One lesser-known delicacy is the coconut grub, known as “duong dua.” These fat, juicy worms feed on the tender coconut shoots, making them delicious and nutritious when prepared in various dishes.

The Coconut Fruit is considered the most valuable part of the coconut tree. The young coconuts are harvested for their water, a refreshing drink. The coconut water is also used in cooking, such as in fish and meat stews, or for making caramel. The coconut meat is used to make coconut jam, grated and pressed to extract coconut milk, which is used in coconut candies, oils, and soap. The husks are used for making activated charcoal, fuel, or handcrafted items that are popular in Western countries. The coconut fibers are processed into mats, mattresses, shoes for treating arthritis, or braided into ropes and nets used to protect riverbanks. The coconut leaves are used for thatching roofs, making walls, crafting hats, and are also a common cooking fuel in rural areas. Dried coconut leaves are bundled together to make torches for lighting in the dark of night.

As the future unfolds, life continues to modernize. Yet, the spiritual values remain timeless. Similarly, the coconut tree will forever remain a part of the people of Ben Tre, much like the fertile silt that will always be tied to the rivers, enriching the homeland day by day.

Mỗi loài cây, mỗi loài hoa sinh ra trên đời đều mang một ý nghĩa và biểu tượng riêng. Nếu cây phát lộc biểu tượng cho sự may mắn, cây liễu là chuẩn mực cho vẻ đẹp yêu kiều của người phụ nữ, cây tùng thể hiện khí chất hiên ngang, ngay thẳng của người quân tử thì cây phượng vĩ - loài cây hết sức giản dị và thân thuộc lại là biểu tượng của tuổi học trò, là sự báo hiệu cho một mùa chia tay đầy thương nhớ. Cây phượng vĩ đã trở thành một người bạn thân thiết của tuổi học trò.

Phượng có nguồn gốc từ những cánh rừng ở Madagascar. Tại Việt Nam, phượng vĩ được người Pháp du nhập vào trồng khoảng những năm cuối thế kỷ 19 tại các thành phố lớn như Hải Phòng, Đà Nẵng, Sài Gòn. Phượng là loài cây thân gỗ. Thân phượng cao từ 6-12 m, chiều ngang phải hai người ôm mới xuể. Vỏ cây màu nâu, xù xì, những cây phượng già ở thân còn có những mấu nổi lên như những cục u. Ở Việt Nam, phượng vĩ được trồng khá phổ biến, đặc biệt là ở dọc các con đường, ở trong sân trường học bởi khả năng tạo bóng mát của cây. Đây là loại cây dễ trồng, thích hợp với mọi loại đất từ khô cằn đến màu mỡ; phát triển tốt trên mọi địa hình từ đồng bằng đến trung du và núi cao. Tuy nhiên, loài cây này lại có tuổi thọ không cao, trung bình từ 30 đến 50 năm tùy vào điều kiện chăm sóc và thời tiết.

Một cây phượng vĩ lớn có thể cao đến 20m, tán tỏa ra tứ phía với đường kính lên tới 8m. Rễ cây thuộc loại rễ chùm, đâm sâu xuống lòng đất hút chất dinh dưỡng nuôi cây đồng thời bám sâu vào lòng đất để cây luôn đứng vững trước những bão tố dữ dội. Những chiếc rễ cây lâu năm to như những con rắn khổng lồ, chồi lên ngoằn nghèo trên mặt đất lại là chỗ ngồi lí tưởng cho các bạn học sinh.

Thân cây to tròn đến hai học trò ôm cũng không xuể. Nó khoác lên mình bộ áo màu nâu sẫm, khi sờ vào có cảm giác xù xì và hơi thô ráp. Từ những cành cây nhỏ bé, mọc ra hàng nghìn, hàng vạn chiếc lá nhỏ li ti màu xanh lục như những lá me. Lá cây mọc đối xứng qua một xương lá trông rất mềm mại, thỉnh thoảng lại rung rinh, đu đưa làm dáng khi chị gió thoảng qua ghé thăm. Hình ảnh khiến mọi người nhớ mãi có lẽ là hoa phượng.

Hoa phượng có 4 cánh tỏa rộng màu đỏ tươi hay đỏ cam, cánh thứ 5 mọc thẳng, lớn hơn những cánh kia một chút và lốm đốm trắng. Hoa phượng mọc thành từng chùm, một bông phượng có đến vô vàn những bông hoa. Hoa phượng mọc xen kẽ nhau tạo nên một ngọn lửa đỏ rực như muốn thiêu đốt cả cây, làm bừng sáng cả một khoảng trời rực rỡ. Mùa hoa hết, ta lại thấy những quả phượng dài và cong như lưỡi liềm.

Quả phượng khi non có màu xanh, già chuyển sang màu đen và có nhiều hạt.Phượng chiếm một vị trí đặc biệt trong cuộc sống của con người. Phượng thường được trồng ở những nơi công cộng như công viên, trường học để cho bóng mát. Tán phượng xanh mát vừa là chỗ cho chim muông làm tổ, vừa là nơi lí thú để học sinh nghỉ ngơi, hòa mình vào những trò chơi tinh nghịch.

Cây phượng vào mùa hè lá xanh tỏa bóng rất mát. Màu xanh của lá phượng nhìn vào cho ta một cảm giác tươi mát lạ thường. Cây phượng gắn liền với thế hệ tuổi học trò. Khi phượng bắt đầu nở báo hiệu cho một mùa chia tay đang đến. Những lưu luyến vấn vương in sâu trong từng cánh phượng. Những bức ảnh kỉ yếu với những vòng hoa phượng đội đầu hay những chùm phượng cầm tay ghi lại khoảnh khắc tươi đẹp nhất tuổi học trò ngây ngô hồn nhiên. Phượng còn có tác dụng làm tăng thêm vẻ đẹp của không gian khi chúng được trồng ở trên những con đường, trên hè phố. Sắc đỏ của phượng xen kẽ với sắc tím của bằng lăng khiến ai đi qua cũng muốn dừng lại ngắm nhìn. Không chỉ thế, hoa phượng còn ghi dấu biết bao kỉ niệm của tuổi học trò. Ai đó đã tặng ta chùm phượng thay cho lời thương không dám nói. Các cô cậu học sinh thường lấy những cánh phượng, xếp thành hình con bướm ép trong cuốn lưu bút giữ làm kỉ niệm.

Ngoài ra, phượng còn được trồng để lấy gỗ dùng cho việc sản xuất các đồ gỗ dân dụng phục vụ đời sống con người. Vỏ cây, rễ cây dùng trị bệnh sốt rét và hạ nhiệt. Ở nhiều nơi, người ta trồng phượng để chống xói mòn đất bởi cây có rễ ăn sâu vào lòng đất và có tán lá rộng rất thích hợp cho việc chắn gió. Nhắc đến hoa phượng là nhắc đến mùa của thi cử, mùa của chia ly nên người ta còn gọi nó bằng cái tên vô cùng gần gũi, đó là hoa học trò. Chắc hẳn tuổi học trò của mỗi người không thể không có bóng dáng của cây phượng.

Cây phượng đã trở thành một nguồn cảm hứng dào dạt cho lĩnh vực nghệ thuật. Chúng ta có thể nhắc đến các bài hát nổi tiếng như “Phượng buồn”, “Phượng hồng”, “Nỗi buồn hoa phượng”,… hay trong những vần thơ của Quốc Phương, Bùi Đức An,…

“Cánh phượng hồng còn ép hoài trang vở
Mỗi hè về nỗi nhớ lại miên man
Tuổi thanh xuân lời thương ấy nồng nàn
Những kỉ niệm vẫn ngập tràn rung động”

Phượng được xem là loài cây có sức sống mãnh liệt khi vượt lên trên sự oi bức, nắng gắt của mùa hạ để nở ra những bông hoa mang vẻ đẹp rực rỡ. Có thể nói cây phượng giữ một vai trò to lớn trong cuộc sống của con người. Người ta không chỉ yêu thích nó bởi vẻ đẹp mà còn bởi những công dụng nó mang lại cho đời sống.