I thought the Kapok tree was a pretty interesting flowering tree until I came across the Flamboyant tree. Although there is no cotton to cultivate from the blooms (unlike the Kapok tree). The dried seeds of the Flamboyant flowers are used to make a musical instrument called the maracas.
I love this photo from Brazil, taken by Flávio Cruvinel Brandão via Flickr. The yellow variety is in the background and you can see more of the red Flamboyant tree’s flowering in front.
The tree is also called Peacock Flower, Flame of the Forest, and Royal Poinciana. The color of the flowers range in vibrant yellow, orange to red.
The Flamboyant tree (scientific name - Delonix regia) is a threaten native tree from Madagascar. Though vulnerable in the wild, the tree is successfully grown today in many tropical areas as ornamental trees. They are also commonly found growing in the Caribbean, Argentina and Brazil.
Up close photo of the flower. The flower looks like an Iris to me and the leaves remind me of Acacia tree. Photo from UBC Botanical.
The Flamboyant tree is also grown in the Florida Keyes. Next time I’m in that part of the states, I will keep my eye out for them. It would be hard to miss. People that live in places with an abundant variety of flora are so lucky!
Another great up close photo of the flower and leaves from califlora.net here.
10:10 pm on July 9th, 2009
This is an interesting tree, I’ve never heard of it before.
It does look like an Iris to me also, but I’m sure the flower is a lot smaller in size by looking at the first photo, I’d love to see it in person.
8:35 am on August 8th, 2010
Hi,
Would anybody know of any trees growing in northern regions, or how far north would be the “last point of success” for growing a flamboyant tree?
I brought home some seeds from St.Croix and planted them in pots in my kitchen, and now the trees have reached the ceiling, but I dare not put them in my garden yet. The stem is very thin, and I am afraied it will break in the wind. We live in Denmark - is my chance of success less than 0? Any experts out there? Sincerely, Helle.
12:02 am on August 9th, 2010
Hi Helle,
Thanks for sharing your story about growing the flamboyant tree. It looks like you’ve had much success so far. But if planted outside I don’t think they will survive the northern winter, unless in a greenhouse.
I hope someone in the world wide web can offer you some tips. Good luck!