The Fried Egg Tree: Nature’s Sunny-Side Surprise

Some plants catch your attention because of their color, others because of their shape—but the Oncoba spinosa, lovingly known as the Fried Egg Tree, stands out for its playful resemblance to a perfect sunny-side-up egg. When I saw it blooming today, I couldn’t help but smile. Its bright yellow center surrounded by crisp white petals looked so much like breakfast that it felt almost surreal.

The charm of the Fried Egg Tree lies in its simplicity. Each blossom opens wide, with a bold golden cluster at the center that glows against the smooth white petals. The contrast is striking—clean, bright, and wonderfully quirky. Even from a distance, the flowers draw your eye, standing out like tiny suns scattered across the branches.

What makes this plant even more delightful is how unexpected it feels. In the middle of a green garden, these blooms appear like little joyful surprises. There’s nothing overly dramatic about them; instead, they radiate a cheerful energy, bringing light to the space in the gentlest way. Standing beneath the tree, I felt the kind of happiness that only nature’s small wonders can bring.

Photographing the Fried Egg Tree was a pure pleasure. Each angle offered a different kind of charm—some blooms fully open, others still unfurling like delicate white cups waiting to reveal their golden centers. The sunlight made the flowers glow even brighter, making each shot feel warm and uplifting.

Spending time with the Oncoba spinosa today reminded me that nature has a sense of humor and creativity too. The Fried Egg Tree may be simple, but it's unforgettable—proof that even the most unexpected forms of beauty can brighten our day, just like a sunny morning meal.