It’s Cherry Blossom season in Japan right now but few people know that here in the Philippines, we have our own Palawan Cherry that looks so much like Cherry Blossoms.  Most Filipinos are also unaware of this because when I posted this in my Facebook page, my friends thought it was taken in Japan.  I admit that I too did not know about us having such a beautiful tree until I saw the tree in full bloom here at Plantation Bay.

And the flowers look even more beautiful up close.

I was so mesmerized that I did some research and thankfully came across this site where I finally confirmed its name.  Further, I learned that Palawan Cherry or Cassia nodosa is a species that is native to the island of Java, in Indonesia.  As observed, this too blooms only during summer.

Here are vivid shots of these lovely blossoms, with the edges blurred.

Aren’t they so dainty and pretty?