Fire tree is also called royal poinciana, flamboyant tree, peacock tree or flame of the forest. Leaves are fern-like in form and the leaflets are oval shape. Its vibrant red, red-orange and in rare variety yellow flowers are sure to catch attention. It has four petals plus one standard which is usually bigger and spotted. When young, the fruits were flaccid and green but turns into woody and dark-brown as it mature. This rapid grower can be as tall as 15 meters.
Binomial/Scientific Name:
Delonix regia
Origin:
Endemic to the dry forests of Madagascar but has been grown into tropical and sub-tropical regions all over the world.
Height:
Can grow up to 50 feet.
Propagation:
Seeds
A common way of propagation where seeds are collected from a mature fruit and soaked in water for about a day then planted under a semi-shaded area.
Semi-hardwood Cuttings
A stem of about 12 inches length can be taken from the current or last season’s growth. It is a way of ensuring the new tree is closer-looking to its parent. Cuttings takes a few months to root which is longer than seeds.
Found in:
Tropical Regions
Usage:
Ornamental
It produces clusters of big flowers which are long lasting.
Shade
The canopy is often wide and umbrella-like shape which makes it a good shade provider.
Cultivation:
Fire tree requires tropical or semi-tropical climate and can tolerate droughts and salty conditions. Can produce more flowers when soil is slightly dry.
Likes: Free-draining sandy or loamy soil rich in organic matter
Does not Like: Heavy to clayish soil.
Interesting Notes:
In Kerala, India there’s a popular belief among Saint Thomas Christians that when Jesus was crucified, there was a small royal poinciana tree nearby his Cross. It is believed that the blood of Jesus Christ was shed over the flowers of the tree and this is how the flowers of royal poinciana got a sharp red color. Locally called kaalvarippoo which means “the flower of Calvary”.
Find out more introduced species of trees in the Philippines.