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About the Flame Tree
About the Flame Tree. Delonix regia, or the Royal Poinciana, is known by several other names, including Flame Tree, Flamboyant and Flame-of-the-Forest. It is known throughout the world for its bright red-orange flowers. Although native to Madagascar, it is frequently seen along streets and in parks and courtyards in tropical locations around the...
Delonix regia, or the Royal Poinciana, is known by several other names, including Flame Tree, Flamboyant and Flame-of-the-Forest. It is known throughout the world for its bright red-orange flowers. Although native to Madagascar, it is frequently seen along streets and in parks and courtyards in tropical locations around the globe.
Description
Flame Trees reach up to 40 feet in height, sporting canopies that match in width, with some trees growing even wider. When blooming takes place in the spring and summer, most varieties of the tree are covered by bright orange-red flowers, although one variety produces golden blooms. They grow in clusters, with each blossom measuring 4 to 5 inches across. The flowers are characterized by four spoon-shaped petals about 3 inches long and one larger petal, which stands upright and has white and yellow markings. The lacy leaves resemble ferns and are 12 to 20 inches long. The leaves consist of 20 to 40 primary leaflet pairs, which are divided into half as many secondary leaflet pairs. Woody pods, up to 2 inches wide and 24 inches long, are dark brown and flat.
Features
Aside from the showy flowers it produces, the Royal Poinciana has a form similar to that of a live oak. Delicate medium green foliage is a good contrast to the flame-red flowers. The tree has surface roots and shouldn't be planted less than 15 feet from driveways or structures. Doing so could cause damage to the tree roots as it grows. The pods of the tree make a rattling sound when blown by the wind and are amusingly referred to as "woman's tongue" in the Caribbean.
Growing Conditions
The annual growth of the Flame Tree is about 5 feet per year, and it may need wind protection if planted in an open location. It tolerates a variety of soil conditions, ranging from alkaline to acidic and rocky to loam. Plant in full sun and water regularly, although the tree tolerates drought well. Propagation is made through summer cuttings of semi-ripe tips, and some varieties may take 10 years to flower. It is hardy in USDA zones 10 through 12.
Uses
The Royal Poinciana makes a good ornamental landscape tree by providing color and shade to your yard. The tree tolerates pruning well and can successfully be maintained as a smaller patio tree. As attractive as the tree is, winds sometimes cause shedding pods or branches, making cleanup necessary. Seedlings are common around the perimeter of the tree. The tree pods are used as fuel in the Caribbean Islands, and the seeds are sometimes used as beads.
