Among the wild bushes that we often ignore, there is a small beauty hidden called Saliara (Lantana camara), or better known as Tembelekan. This flowering plant from the Verbenaceae family may seem ordinary, but its presence always manages to steal attention. Originating from tropical Central and South America, Saliara has now explored the world, including Indonesia, where it thrives amidst the hustle and bustle of our lives.
One afternoon, my jogging steps took me down a quiet path. Suddenly, this flower stopped me in my tracks. The bright colors of yellow, red, and purple of Saliara stood out against the green of the surrounding leaves. With a simple cellphone camera, I captured the moment, as if storing the message conveyed by this small flower: that beauty is often hidden in unexpected places.
Saliara is the embodiment of strength and determination. It is able to survive anywhere including in barren land, on the side of the road, even in places that seem unfit for life. Although often considered a weed, it still offers its beauty humbly. Its tiny flowers are a source of life for butterflies and bees, creating a harmonious mini ecosystem that often goes unnoticed.
For me, Saliara is not just a flower, but a teacher of life. It teaches that behind simplicity there is strength, and behind limitations there is beauty. Every petal, every stem, even the soil where it grows, holds a valuable story. Maybe we just need to stop for a moment, slow down, and learn to see the world from a different perspective.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know this little creature, God's creation that is often overlooked, but holds invaluable charm, benefits, and life lessons. 😍