Cambodia is home to countless Buddhist temples, scattered across the country. More than 95 percent of the population practices Theravada Buddhism, the official religion of the kingdom.

But near the temples, you can often find shorea siamensis, a deciduous tree found in most of Southeast Asia. In Cambodia, the plant is often seen growing near Buddhist pagodas as the legend says one of Buddha's incarnations was born under a shorea siamensis tree. Therefore, the plant is considered sacred in the country's Buddhist culture. 

Here are some photos of the large and beautiful flowers of shorea siamensis tree. 

About 'Plants & Nations' 

"Plants & Nations" is a series of articles and pictures about common plants in the world. It serves as a guide to beautiful plants from different countries. 

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The double coconut: The rare-shaped plant from Seychelles

The pomegranate: Symbol of Granada, Spain

Blue water lily: The sacred flower of ancient Egypt

(Cover image via VCG)

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