A sacred plant in Cambodia's Buddhist culture
CGTN
[]

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.

Shorea siamensis. /VCG Photo

Shorea siamensis. /VCG Photo

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. 

Shorea siamensis is also called dark red meranti, light red meranti, or red lauan. /VCG Photo

Shorea siamensis is also called dark red meranti, light red meranti, or red lauan. /VCG Photo

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. 

For more articles and pictures, please click here:

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)

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

MORE FROM CGTN

Chinese scientists develop AI tool to predict liver cancer recurrence
{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

Science

04:42, 17-Mar-2025

At least 37 dead as tornadoes, wildfires and dust storms hit U.S.
{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

Climate

02:16, 17-Mar-2025

{"type":2,"value":"Nitza Soledad Perez","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

North America

19:47, 16-Mar-2025

Intelligent machines boost China's 'green Great Wall' building efforts
{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

Technology

13:11, 15-Mar-2025

TOP NEWS

Chinese economy off to robust start in 2025 as growth gains momentum
{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

China

14:54, 17-Mar-2025

China urges G7 to do more things conducive to int'l cooperation
{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

Politics

13:54, 17-Mar-2025

Houthi group targets U.S. aircraft carrier amid fresh U.S. airstrikes
{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

Politics

11:40, 17-Mar-2025