台灣欒樹，學名Koelreuteria elegans，屬於無患子科，欒樹屬，原產於台灣，分布於低海拔闊葉林地區。
台灣欒樹常見種植作為行道樹，尤其在高速公路旁，沿途都能見到它的蹤影，隨著不同的季節，有著不同的色彩；春天時，嫩芽形成翠綠色，夏天時，葉子漸漸轉為濃郁的綠色，秋天時，它有著黃色小花與嫩紅的苞片，冬天時，則漸漸轉為褐色，一年四季有著不同的色彩變化，因此有「四色樹」的稱號。
近期，台灣的季節轉為秋天，便進入欒樹的花期，在樹頂可見一叢一叢金黃色的小花，小花隨著秋風飄逸，掉落在地面的的小花彷彿金黃色的地毯，因此欒樹也有「台灣金雨樹」之稱。
花謝後，取而代之的是嫩紅色的蒴果，有著紙質般的苞片外殼，像極了一顆顆的小燈籠，因此也有人稱它為「燈籠樹 」。成熟後的蒴果結實纍纍，為街道風景染上一抹紅褐色的秋意。
再等一些時節進入深秋初冬後，蒴果顏色會轉變純褐色，等待下一次春季再次綻放綠葉。
十月份的此時，帶有涼意的季節，為自己安排一趟午後的散步時光，走在台灣欒樹步道下，低頭就會看見顆顆紅果點綴在你我的腳邊，從欒樹色彩漸變的過程中能知曉四季的推移，感受這片土地特有的美景。
台灣欒樹的蒴果可以被乾燥保存，需在樹枝尚在新鮮狀態下乾置，以避免從新鮮狀態下放至皺軟，乾燥起來會較不美觀。無論是使用新鮮或是乾燥的欒樹蒴果在秋冬的花藝作品中，都能呈現十足的季節感，結實纍纍的景象也象徵美好的秋收，在微涼的季節裡，也能為居家增添暖紅調的氛圍。
🌱 小提醒：
台灣欒樹結果掉落後，容易吸引大群紅姬緣椿象前來吸食種子與樹液。紅姬緣椿象對人體無害，但成群結隊的景象頗為壯觀，如果從遠處便看見台灣欒樹枝幹或樹底周圍有鮮紅色團狀色塊，很可能是群聚的椿象，若是對昆蟲較為敏感或害怕的朋友，建議可以繞遠避開以免受到驚嚇。
🏷️小雛菊花藝學校，聯絡方式：
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4. E-mail｜daisyacademy2017@gmail.com
✧ 小雛菊花藝，期待與你的每一次相遇 ✧
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✿ Flower Recognition Moment ep 12 / Taiwanese Rain Tree
The Taiwanese rain tree, scientifically known as Koelreuteria elegans, belongs to the Sapindaceae family and the Koelreuteria genus. It is native to Taiwan and is commonly found in lowland broadleaf forests.
The Taiwanese rain tree is commonly planted as a roadside tree, especially along highways, its presence can be observed throughout the journey. With the changing seasons, it showcases different colors: in spring, tender shoots form a lush green hue; in summer, the leaves gradually turn into a rich green; during autumn, it displays yellow flowers and tender red bracts; and in winter, it gradually transitions to a brown color. With its different hues throughout the year, it has earned the title of the “Four-Color Tree.”
As Taiwan transitions into autumn, the Taiwanese rain tree begins to bloom. At the tree’s crown, clusters of golden-yellow small flowers become visible. These flowers gracefully fall to the ground, resembling a golden carpet swept by the autumn breeze. Hence, the Taiwanese rain tree is also referred to as the “Taiwanese Golden Rain Tree.”
After the flowers wilt, they are replaced by tender red seed capsules with papery bracts that resemble small lanterns, earning the tree the name “Lantern Tree.” When these capsules mature, they abundantly decorate the streets with a reddish-brown touch, adding to the autumn scenery.
Later, as autumn transitions into early winter, the color of the capsules changes to a pure brown, awaiting the next spring to once again adorn the tree with green leaves.
In October, during this slightly chilly season, taking a leisurely afternoon stroll under the Taiwanese rain tree canopy reveals the ground scattered with red fruits. Witnessing the Taiwanese rain tree’s color transformation provides insight into the changing seasons, allowing one to experience the unique beauty of this land.
The seed capsules of the Taiwanese rain tree can be dried and preserved. It’s best to dry them while they are still fresh on the branches to avoid them becoming wrinkled and less aesthetically pleasing after dried. Whether using fresh or dried seed capsules in autumn and winter floral arrangements, they can evoke a strong sense of the season changing. The abundant seed capsules also symbolize a bountiful autumn, adding warm, red hues to your home during the chilly season.
🌱 Reminder:
After the Taiwanese rain tree’s seed capsules fall, they tend to attract large groups of leptocoris (or Red Jadera) that come to feed on the seeds and tree sap. These insects are harmless to humans, but the sight of them in large numbers can be quite spectacular. When you see clusters of bright red color gathering around on or at the base of the tree branch from a distance, it might indicate that there is a group of Red Jadera gathering. If you are sensitive to or afraid of insects, you may walk around to avoid them in case of getting frightened.
🏷️ Contact Daisy Academy:
1. Facebook fan page｜小雛菊花藝學校 Daisy Florist
2. Instagram｜daisyacademy2017
3. Official LINE@｜@daisyacademy2017
4. E-mail｜daisyacademy2017@gmail.com
✧ Daisy Academy, looking forward to every time we meet ✧
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