This amazing flowering tree was seen in Cambodia. This tree is only grown at a Buddhist Temple. It's name is: Shorea Robusta Roxb. We saw it in the garden of the Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh.  You must enlarge this one to 125%! If you know more about this tree please let me know.

On the leaf is a group pitcher plants native to Malaysia. Much larger versions of these were seen by Vivian and Dennis on their trek up Mt. Kinabalu in Borneo.

Are these flowers or butterflies? (right)

Does this plant (left) look like a butterfly or a flower? It really is a flower. I know because it didn't move!!! Scott thinks it's a type of pitcher plant - I think he's right!

You do see poinsettias in many parts of the world. Even so, here's a nice shot (right) you could lift for your Christmas letter!

Does this look like a relative of the poinsettia. (left)

These little purple flowers were something I've never seen before. The zig-zag stems are most unusual. The flowers grow on the end of a very long straight red stem. The plant itself looks like a small palm tree. Pretty interesting!!

These flowers on the left are really from New Zealand. Because they present a very different appearance at each stage of their flowering I couldn't resist them!

Those of you that have visited the South Pacific will recognize the bloom on the right as they readily fall of trees and cover the ground or float down stream to present a very beautiful carpet of flowers. They turn color as they "age."

More marvelous flowers that thrive in hot wet climates.

These two interesting plants (right and left) were growing on the island of Beqa in Fiji. The local resort had introduced some unique species of plants in their manicured landscaping. Because this area of Fiji is known to be a rainforest orchids are plentiful.

The yellow flowers to the right come under the heading of, "If you're not having fun why are you doing it!" These we found right outside out yacht club in Marina Del Rey.

Everywhere we go across the Pacific we enjoy the efforts of the local people to beautify their environment. I decided to dedicate a page to the beautiful floral displays we enjoyed everywhere we went. The one on the left is from Apia, Samoa. This fence surrounds the war canoes.

We saw many of these beautiful orchid plants (right) in Samoa. People would place a large bamboo post up as part of  fence. The bamboo served as a host for the parasitic orchid. These orchid fence posts were quite beautiful.

Coming from California we're pretty familiar with bougainvillea (left). However, this lavender color is rather unique.

These beautiful red/orange blossoms belong to a plant that we've seen in hedges - the type people just grow by putting a stick in the ground. I've been told that the stick must have its bark on in order to grow.

More beauties from Samoa!

Some people say, "If you've seen one _____, you've seen them all." Fortunately I don't feel that way. One more gorgeous flower is still more beautiful than the last.

A visit to the Bahai Center in Samoa was a real treat. These floral displays are from that visit.

These lovely begonias were part of  the Bahai display.

Walking around the center was a very special experience.

What we've called a red ginger plant has the name of tutuila. There is an entire week's festival in Apia, Samoa every year dedicated to this striking plant (right).

Many of these species we saw all across the tropics and they aren't a bit unique, but they remain just as eye-catching. These alamandas (left) are from Savai'i.

Again, not unique, but fun to capture for this website and maybe a greeting card.

We saw these beauties outside the King's Palace in Tongatapu, but also again in the Ha'apai.

This purple and blue flowering bush is one of the more amazing plants I've seen. We saw it first in the Ha'apai. I have never seen such a plant before or since!

We saw Frangipani throughout the islands. However, I believe that the most beautiful were in the Ha'apai, Tonga.

There must be something about the weather that's just about perfect for them (the frangipani). (right and left)

I couldn't decide whether this close-up of a flame tree (left) was more beautiful, or whether this view of the whole tree was rather interesting also. (right)

This lovely climbing vine is from northern New Zealand - Russell to be exact.

I've started to get kind of wild here, trying my hand at flying things like bees!!!

Since this bee held still for the previous shot I felt he was fair game on the little blue flower!