African tulip trees — a widely planted ornamental tree in Xiamen, Fujian province — are in full bloom one after another, forming a spectacular scene along roads. [Photo by Chen Bo/For chinadaily.com.cn]

As temperatures rise with spring on the way, African tulip trees — a widely planted ornamental tree in Xiamen, Fujian province — are in full bloom, forming a quite spectacular scene along the roads.

Xiahe Road, a busy road with heavy traffic, has the best view of the beautiful flowers.

African tulip trees, which feature giant reddish trumpet-shaped flowers and huge, glossy leaves, is suitable to be planted along the streets or in gardens, according to sources in the city's garden department.

Its red bell-shaped collection of petals looks like a burning flame from a distance, giving it a Chinese name meaning "flame tree".