If you visit Beijing, China's capital, during spring, you will notice some purple flowers blooming along the roads and in parks. They are Orychophragmus violaceus (L.) O. E. Schulz, known as zhugecai in Chinese, and are commonly seen in many Chinese provinces, including Hebei, Shandong and Jiangxi.

The flowering period for the Orychophragmus violaceus (L.) O. E. Schulz in Beijing is generally from late March to May. It very adaptable and resistant to the cold. The plant loves light and can grow in both acidic and alkaline soil.

Here are some photos of the Orychophragmus violaceus (L.) O. E. Schulz taken at the Beijing Botanical Garden. 

About 'City of Wild'

Nature is not limited to faraway mountains and oceans. It also exists in urban cities and our daily lives. In the series "City of Wild," CGTN not only unfolds a world of wildlife you were probably not aware of but also highlights the theme of this year's CBD COP 15: Ecological Civilization: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth.

For more:

City of wild: The cute sparrows in Beijing

City of wild: Inconspicuous birds with really beautiful melodies

City of Wild: Lovely hoopoes in Beijing

City of wild: Milu deer cool off from the Beijing summer

City of Wild: A pair of spotted doves making home in downtown Beijing

City of Wild: Vigilant white-cheeked starlings in Beijing

City of Wild: Hollyhocks bloom in Beijing summer

Meet the lovely peach blossoms in Beijing

Beautiful hybrid plum blossoms bloom in Beijing Botanical Garden

(All photos are taken by Ding Qian)

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