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Unveiling the Secrets of the Heavenly Flower: Understanding the Significance, Benefits, and Cultivation of Hoa Thiên Lý

"The Golden Butterfly Flower, as it is poetically known, is a floral treasure native to Vietnam. This flower, with its delicate beauty and subtle fragrance, is more than just a pretty bloom - it is a culinary delight and a revered herb in the local culture. With its versatile nature, the flower is used in a myriad of dishes, adding a unique flavor and a touch of local charm to every meal. Not only that, but its medicinal properties have also been widely recognized, making it an integral part of traditional remedies and a beloved symbol of Vietnam's rich and diverse flora."

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11 July, 2024

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Also known as night-flowering jasmine or Chinese honeysuckle, trumpet vine is primarily used for cooking, but it also has some great health benefits. Additionally, the meaning of trumpet vine flowers is quite special and not widely known. The following article from Green Grocery will provide you with useful information to explore the meaning, benefits, and cultivation methods of trumpet vine flowers.

1What is Trumpet Vine?

Trumpet vine is a vine-like plant. In nature, trumpet vine grows in sparse forests and areas with dense bushes. It is often grown on trellises to provide shade and beautify the space around a house.

Trumpet vine is a vine-like plant

Origin and Meaning of Trumpet Vine

Origin

Origin

Trumpet vine is native to countries such as China, India, Myanmar, and Pakistan. In Vietnam, families often grow trumpet vine along walls or on trellises.

Meaning

Trumpet vine flowers symbolize a faithful and enduring love that overcomes difficulties and obstacles to achieve happiness. Even if separated by a thousand miles, nothing can tear the couple apart.

The meaning of the trumpet vine stems from an ancient folk tale. The story goes that there was a couple deeply in love. The husband had a special talent for playing the flute, enchanting all creatures, from plants to birds. Among them was a venomous green snake that also fell in love with the man’s flute playing. In order to possess him, the green snake transformed into the wife.

Meaning

The wife’s name was Thien Ly, and the snake in human form looked exactly like her. This made it impossible for her husband to tell them apart. So, he sought help from the village elders.

The elders devised many challenges for the two women. In the final test, the real wife said, “Even if we are separated by a thousand miles, I will still recognize you.” Eventually, the green snake’s true form was revealed. The couple lived happily ever after.

Since then, the folk tale has inspired the name of this climbing plant with its small clusters of flowers—trumpet vine, implying a thousand miles.

Additionally, the trumpet vine also represents the sincerity of the Vietnamese people. It is a symbol of the simplicity and rusticity of Vietnam’s countryside.

Characteristics and Classification of Trumpet Vine

Trumpet vine is a soft-wooded plant with a smooth, climbing stem. Its young branches are a deep green, turning brown as they age.

The leaves are heart-shaped, deep green, and moderately sized, ranging from 5-10 cm in diameter. The veins are prominent and raised.

Characteristics and Classification of Trumpet Vine

The flowers grow in clusters from the leaf axils. They are greenish-yellow or yellow with five petals, each about 1 cm in diameter. Since they grow in clusters, they appear larger. The flowers are most abundant from May to October and have a mild, pleasant fragrance.

The plant grows most vigorously in the spring. When grown in suitable climatic conditions, it thrives and blooms profusely. It prefers a sunny and windy environment.

2Benefits of Trumpet Vine

Health Benefits

Prevent heat rash during hot weather: Cook trumpet vine flowers into a daily soup. For children, crush the leaves and flowers and cook them into a porridge.
Help treat pinworms: Cook young trumpet vine leaves into a soup for children to consume for 7-10 days for effective results.
Relieve body aches and pains: Cook trumpet vine flowers and leaves by stir-frying or boiling, and eat them with sesame salt dip for best results.
Treat boils: Crush trumpet vine leaves and apply the paste to the affected area for 2-3 days until healed.

Benefits of Trumpet Vine

Relieve fatigue, dizziness, and blurred vision: Combine trumpet vine flowers with chrysanthemum, fish mint, and pennywort. This is an effective traditional medicine treatment.
Aid in treating insomnia: Cook trumpet vine flowers into a soup with lotus leaves or Vông Nem leaves to reduce fatigue, calm the mind, and promote restful sleep.
Support weight loss: Trumpet vine flowers are rich in fiber and low in calories, making them an excellent choice for weight loss. They create a sense of fullness and reduce fat absorption.
Treat hemorrhoids: Prepare young trumpet vine leaves and a small amount of salt. Wash and crush the leaves with salt, adding a little water to make a paste. Filter the mixture, discarding the solids. Soak a cotton ball in the liquid and apply it directly to the hemorrhoids. Secure it with a bandage and leave it on overnight. Repeat this process for 4-6 days for effective results.

Culinary Uses

Stir-fried Beef with Trumpet Vine Flowers

Stir-fried Beef with Trumpet Vine Flowers

Stir-fried beef with trumpet vine flowers is a delicious and nutritious dish. Beef is rich in nutrients and has many health benefits. Combined with the fragrant and crispy trumpet vine flowers, it makes for a tasty meal, perfect for a hot summer day.

See also:

Sour Soup with Trumpet Vine Flowers

Sour Soup with Trumpet Vine Flowers

In addition to stir-frying, trumpet vine flowers can also be used to make a delicious sour soup. Sour soup with trumpet vine flowers is visually appealing, combining the flowers with tomatoes and okra to create a tasty sour and sweet flavor. This simple yet memorable dish is a must-have in every family meal.

See also:

Oatmeal Porridge with Trumpet Vine Flowers

Oatmeal Porridge with Trumpet Vine Flowers

Oatmeal porridge with trumpet vine flowers is a dish that cleanses the body and aids in weight loss. Not only is it good for your health, but it’s also incredibly delicious. The warm porridge, the chewy oatmeal, the crispy trumpet vine flowers, and the fragrant herbs create a wonderful culinary experience.

3How to Grow and Care for Trumpet Vine

How to Grow Trumpet Vine at Home

Step 1 Choose a well-drained, sandy soil that retains moisture for your trumpet vine. Avoid overly wet soil as this plant prefers drier conditions.

Step 2 Select the type of trumpet vine you want to grow, either the creeper or stem type, and cut it into 15-20 cm long segments.

How to Grow Trumpet Vine at Home

Step 3 Place the trumpet vine cuttings in straw or husks and incubate them for 10-15 days to promote root growth. Water the cuttings twice a day in the morning to accelerate root development.

Step 4 After the incubation period, dig a hole 30-40 cm deep and add compost and sand. Place the rooted cuttings in the hole and cover with soil.

Step 5 Water the plant twice a day, in the morning and evening, to ensure its healthy growth and abundant flowering.

Tip: Before incubation, apply ash to the cuttings to prevent moisture loss, and then soak them in a root-stimulating solution to promote faster growth.

How to Care for Trumpet Vine

For young trumpet vine plants, water them twice a day to stimulate growth. For mature plants, water 3-4 times a week to provide sufficient moisture.

To encourage faster flowering, fertilize the plant periodically, mixing in organic or synthetic fertilizers. Maintain a temperature range of 22-35°C.

Notes on Growing and Caring for Trumpet Vine

When growing trumpet vine, be aware of pests such as aphids and mealybugs, especially in hot weather. If detected, remove and kill them immediately. If the infestation is severe, use Supracide insecticide. Ensure that the plant does not lack water.

During the rainy season, pay attention to temperature, humidity, and light for the plant. Regularly prune old leaves and branches to ensure good air circulation and prevent fungal diseases that can cause root and stem rot, flower wilting, and reduced yield and quality.

46 Beautiful Images of Trumpet Vine

Beautiful Images of Trumpet Vine

Trumpet Vine Trellis

Beautiful Trumpet Vine Flowers

Trumpet Vine in the Ground

Frequently asked questions

The Heavenly Flower, or ‘Hoa Thiên Lý’ in Vietnamese, is a unique and beautiful flower native to Southeast Asia. In Vietnamese culture, it holds significant symbolic value. The flower’s name translates to ‘Flower of the Sky’ or ‘Heavenly Lily’, reflecting its delicate beauty and ethereal appearance. Its significance lies in its association with purity, positivity, and good fortune. The flower is believed to bring happiness, prosperity, and positive energy to those who admire and cultivate it.

The Heavenly Flower is known for its pleasant fragrance and aesthetic appeal. It is often used for decorative purposes, adding a touch of elegance and beauty to homes, gardens, and special occasions. Additionally, the flower possesses medicinal properties and has been used in traditional Vietnamese medicine. It is believed to aid in digestion, boost the immune system, and promote overall health and well-being.

Hoa Thiên Lý thrives in warm, tropical climates with abundant sunlight and moderate humidity. To cultivate this flower successfully, it requires well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Regular watering is essential, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soggy. Providing a trellis or support structure is beneficial as the vine-like plant tends to climb and spread. Optimal care includes regular pruning, pest control, and providing sufficient nutrients through organic fertilizers.

In Vietnamese culture, the Heavenly Flower is often associated with spiritual practices and rituals. It is believed to possess divine energy and is used in offerings and prayers for good fortune and blessings. The flower is also considered a symbol of respect and gratitude, and it is sometimes exchanged as a token of appreciation or given as a gift to bring positivity and happiness.

You can obtain seeds or saplings of Hoa Thiên Lý from local nurseries or garden centers in regions where it is commonly cultivated. Additionally, online gardening stores and specialty plant retailers may offer seeds or young plants for purchase. When sourcing seeds or saplings, ensure they are from a reputable supplier to guarantee their authenticity and quality.