The Phenomenon of the “Flowering Rock” in Tram River, Tien An Commune, Tien Phuoc District, Quang Nam Mystifies Many
A rock in Tram River (a branch of the Tien River, located in Village 2, Tien An Commune, Tien Phuoc District, Quang Nam) has displayed a peculiar phenomenon resembling “flowering rock”, sparking curiosity among many. Local residents believe that this phenomenon serves as a “sign” indicating dry weather.
Image of the rock displaying a strange phenomenon resembling “flowering”.
Upon observation, the “flowering” area is located right at the edge of a large rock facing the flow of water, resembling a colorful layer of foam clinging to the base of the rock.
According to local residents, this strange phenomenon has appeared for about a week now. Although there are many large rocks in the area, only this particular rock has “flowered”.
Mr. Nguyen Chuong (86 years old, residing in Village 5, Tien An Commune) stated that this phenomenon typically occurs in January, but not every year. It may appear once every 5, 10, or even 15 years, with the last occurrence being in 2018.
“The colors of the ‘flowers’ change continuously. Initially, they are red, and shortly after, they transition to yellow, green, white… From the time they appear until they disappear, it lasts only about 10 to 15 days,” Mr. Chuong explained.
According to local residents, whenever this rock “flowers”, there tends to be prolonged hot and dry weather that year.
The strange phenomenon on the rock piques the curiosity of many.
Mr. Nguyen Phu Hoang – Deputy Chairman of the People’s Committee of Tien An Commune, noted that this strange phenomenon usually occurs every 5 to 7 years.
When this phenomenon first appeared, scientists came to investigate and concluded that it is actually lichen (a symbiotic organism made up of mold and a type of algae) growing on the rock, rather than a rock “flowering”.
Regarding the residents’ belief that this is a “sign” of drought, local leaders stated there is no documentation to support this, suggesting that it might just be a coincidence with the previous occurrences of this phenomenon.
