"Saru Suberi," or crape myrtle, native to Southern China, is now at its peak in the Kyoto Botanical Garden, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto. As one of the few flowers that bloom at the height of summer, it adds a contrasting touch of pink, white, and pale purple to the green garden.

The Chinese characters for the flower name mean "a hundred days of red," reflecting their long-lasting peak from late July to early September. Its Japanese name, "Saru Suberi," or monkey slip, is said to have come from its bark being so smooth that even a monkey would slip.

The Kyoto Botanical Garden has approximately 20 crape myrtles on the western side of its cherry grove and in other places. The flowers grow in branched clusters, and are about 3 centimeters in diameter. The crinkled petals absorb the summer heat, and stand out against the blue sky. There is an entrance fee.