Christmas flowers for Chinese New Year, anyone?
Thursday January 15, 2009

Auspicious colours: Ang’s wife Jenney Wong arranging the poinsettia or the Christmas flower that are much favoured by the customers as CNY flowers for its strikingly red leaves.

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GEORGE TOWN: The poinsettia or Christmas flower is proving to be popular not only during Christmas but also Chinese New Year here.

Flower trader Ang Hock Aun, 46, said he was surprised that people were still asking for the plant after the festive season, adding that he had ordered more as his first batch of 150 plants was running out.

“My customers like the plant because of its strikingly red leaves,” he said. “Red is traditionally thought to bring ong (prosperity) to the owner.”

Other evergreen favourites were the money tree, and the chrysanthemum and lime plants, he added.

“Most of my plants come from Cameron Highlands while some are imported from Belgium and China,” said Ang.

He said the Cantonese especially liked lime plants that cost between RM50 and RM488, adding that he sells local lime, golden lime, emperor lime and “dragon guts” lime plants.

“Azaleas, the mini-tomato plant and a type of hibiscus with big petals are also proving to be popular this Chinese New Year,” he said at his stall in Perak Road. -- The Star News.