Coral vine, or cadena de amor as we commonly call it, is widespread here in the Philippines. Some gardens cultivate this climbing perennial plant to adorn fences. They need not be cultivated though for they easily grow on soil where birds drop the seeds. In fact, left to spread on their own in open spaces, they can be seen as noxious weeds even with the blooming flowers.

Chain of love! I can see you nodding in agreement to this literal translation of cadena de amor. Undoubtedly, this explains why a turning-over-responsibility ceremony in high school usually called the JS Prom is oftentimes referred to as a cadena-de-amor ceremony. No need to elaborate for most of us experienced this particular ceremony before moving on to college life.

It is interesting to note that the leaves and flowers of coral vines can be consumed as food by humans. I just learned from my reading that in Thailand they are flour-coated and fried and served with noodles.  How about trying it folks?

butterfly on leaf
adds beauty to coral vine
climbing an old fence

oo0oo


cute pinkish flowers
 their beauty many ignore
not the butterfly


oo0oo


captured on paper
a fresh scene she sees outside
butterfly on vine