Trees are significant in Buddhism. Siddhartha Gautama is said to have been sitting underneath a Sacred Fig (Ficus religiosa) when he was enlightened (Bodhi), or “awakened” (Buddha). The Sacred Fig also now known as Bo-Tree is a species of banyan fig native to Asia. In Theravada Buddhist Southeast Asia, the tree’s massive trunk is often the site of Buddhist and animist shrines.

Another significant tree is the Saraca indica or Ashoka Tree. According to traditions, Queen Maya of Sakya is said to have given birth to the Buddha under an Ashoka Tree in a garden in Lumbini. The story goes that the queen walked in the garden until she came to an Ashoka Tree to take a rest. Then the tree magically bent down for her and she grasped a branch. At that moment the Buddha emerged from her right side.

Close up of the flowers of Saraca indica or Ashoka Tree.

Yakshis (mythical beings of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain mythology) under Ashoka Trees were also important in early Buddhist monuments as a decorative element and are found in many ancient Buddhist archaeological sites.

The Ashoka Tree is considered sacred throughout the Indian subcontinent, especially in India and Sri Lanka. This tree has many folklorical, religious and literary associations in the region. Highly valued as well for its color, fragrance and abundance of its flowers, the Ashoka Tree is often found in royal palace compounds as well as close to temples throughout India.

Saffron colored flowers of the Ashoka Tree in Wat Sene blend with the roof tiles.

Another attractive flower that is common in Luang Prabang is the Orange Trumpet Creeper or Flame Vine (Pyrostegia venusta), a South American native which puts on a display of orange flowers. It is perhaps one of the most spectacular flowering vines in cultivation.

A low wooden fence is strikingly draped with Orange Trumpet flowers.

The Orange Trumpet Creeper is a vigorous evergreen climber which supports itself by means of coiled, thread-like tendrils growing from the apex of some of the bright green compound leaves. Here, it appears to have invaded a tree.