Levi Sap Nei Thang releases reference book on Myanmar's padauk tree

Author and horticultural researcher Levi Sap Nei Thang has published a 535-page hardcover reference on Padauk, the national flower of Myanmar. The book combines botany, culture, conservation and sustainable management in one volume aimed at researchers, students and general readers.

Why it matters: - Padauk: The National Flower of Myanmar brings together scientific and cultural knowledge on Pterocarpus macrocarpus in one reference work. - The book is aimed at researchers, students, horticulturists, foresters, conservation professionals and general readers. - The volume spotlights a tree species with ecological, economic and national-symbol significance in Myanmar.

What happened: - Author and horticultural researcher Levi Sap Nei Thang announced the release of Padauk: The National Flower of Myanmar. - The book is a comprehensive reference work on Pterocarpus macrocarpus, a Southeast Asian tree species. - The release was announced June 9, 2026, in Kansas City, Kansas. - The book is available through Amazon and major book distribution channels.

The details: - The book examines botanical science, ecology, forestry, horticulture, cultural history, conservation, policy and sustainable management. - Padauk is described as having brilliant golden blossoms, durable hardwood, environmental importance and deep cultural associations. - The author says the book was written to combine biology, ecology, cultural significance, practical uses and conservation challenges in a single resource. - The book includes discussion of botanical classification and evolutionary relationships. - It also covers morphology, physiology and reproductive biology. - Additional sections address climate and environmental adaptation. - The book reviews propagation and cultivation techniques. - Forestry management and wood utilization are also included. - The volume covers cultural symbolism and national identity. - Conservation and sustainability are addressed as core themes. - The book includes policy and future directions for padauk research and management. - The hardcover edition runs 535 pages and is published in English. - A foreword is included by Dr. Tin Htut, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Myanmar.

Between the lines: - The book tries to bridge a gap between narrow technical studies and broader cultural treatment of the species. - The focus on conservation and sustainable management suggests growing attention to how a valued tree species fits into both forestry and biodiversity goals. - The project also reflects an effort to make plant science more accessible to non-specialists. - Thang says the book is intended as a reference for future generations of researchers, students and plant enthusiasts.

What’s next: - The book’s availability through major retail channels should make it easier to reach readers outside Myanmar. - Its policy and management sections may help frame future discussion on padauk conservation and use. - The book may serve as a baseline reference for further research on the species and its role in Myanmar’s natural and cultural life.