The wax flower is unique to China, its ability to bloom in cold winter temperatures long regarded as a symbol of fine quality: never surrender to difficulties. Widely used in gardens or in homes nowadays, it also has a long history that partly explains its current popularity.

Legend has it that when China's capital was in today's Kaifeng city in Henan Province, a rare strong wind swept across the city, knocking down the wall of the imperial palace and exposing daily life at the court to the public. The emperor wanted to keep imperial life hidden, but also believed that the god's rage had destroyed the wall.

Rather than rebuild a conventional facade, which risked angering the god again, a minister proposed growing a wall of dense wax flower trees around the imperial city. The tree wall would protect the imperial family's privacy, while also offer a pleasant sight for people to enjoy during the dull winter. Moreover, the trees' flowers bloomed around Chinese New Year and their yellow color also represented imperial authority. 

The emperor's affinity for the wax flower sparked a fashion throughout the area, and families even regarded it as a big honor to have one or two wax flower trees in their yards, as they believed what the imperial family used must be the best. Yanling County in Henan Province soon became famous as the center of the wax flower in China.

Its fame has not faded, even though the days of worshipping the imperial lifestyle are long gone. Today, the wax flower is an indispensable plant when it comes to Chinese garden design. Especially when most plants lose their color in the winters of northern China, clusters of wax flowers in full bloom transform dull sceneries with a dash of gold.  

With certain trimming and shaping techniques, the wax flower can also be used as a potted plant. Given its three-month blooming period and strong fragrance, a wax flower bonsai can brighten the home. Some people even believe the elegant flower carries magic powers and can bring good luck and scare away evil spirits.  

From the wetlands along the coast to the dense rainforests hidden in the southwest, China boasts an array of plant species. In this series, we will go on a tour to learn about some of the most representative flora in different provinces and see how they live in harmony with the local geography and climate.

(Cover image via VCG.)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)