VietNamNet Bridge – Ngo Dong (Buddha belly plant or Jatropha podagric) is a characteristic of the ancient capital city. 

This species grows along the banks of the Huong (Perfume) River, in the parks of Thuong Bac and Phu Van Lau and especially inside Hue Citadel.




Hoa ngô đồng điểm tô sắc hồng trong Đại Nội Huế  

From Ngu Phung tower, visitors can see Buddha belly plants in the Forbidden City. According to history books of the Nguyen Dynasty, this species was brought from Guangdong, China to Hue during the reign of King Minh Mang 200 years ago.

 
Hoa ngô đồng điểm tô sắc hồng trong Đại Nội Huế  

The Buddha belly plants on the courtyard of Can Chanh Palace in the Forbidden City.

 
Hoa ngô đồng điểm tô sắc hồng trong Đại Nội Huế  
 
Hoa ngô đồng điểm tô sắc hồng trong Đại Nội Huế  

Jatropha podagrica is a species of plants known by several English common names, including Buddha belly plant, bottleplant shrub, gout plant, purging-nut, Guatemalan rhubarb, and goutystalk nettlespurge. It is native to the tropical Americas but it is propagated as an ornamental plant in many parts of the world.

 
Hoa ngô đồng điểm tô sắc hồng trong Đại Nội Huế  
 
Hoa ngô đồng điểm tô sắc hồng trong Đại Nội Huế  

The stem is swollen into vasculum at the base and filled with thin sap. The plant bears bright red coral-like flowers throughout the year. All parts, especially the seeds, of the plant contain the toxic curcin, making it poisonous.

The Buddha belly plants behind Thai Hoa Palace.

 
Hoa ngô đồng điểm tô sắc hồng trong Đại Nội Huế  

Jatropha podagrica is also known for its incredible ability to attract a variety of butterflies wherever it is grown.

 
Hoa ngô đồng điểm tô sắc hồng trong Đại Nội Huế  

The trees have beautified the Forbidden City.

 
Hoa ngô đồng điểm tô sắc hồng trong Đại Nội Huế  
 
Hoa ngô đồng điểm tô sắc hồng trong Đại Nội Huế  

 

The tree is among 146 typical images of Vietnam nature and Vietnam produce carved on the giant nine urns placed in front of The Mieu Temple, considered as national treasures of the Nguyen Dynasty.


Pha Le

Photo: VNE