Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia): Flamboyant Shade Tree with Scarlet Blooms

Royal poinciana (Delonix regia), also called flamboyant tree, flame tree, or gulmohar, is one of the world's most spectacular flowering trees. In late spring to summer, its broad, umbrella-like canopy erupts in a blaze of scarlet-orange flowers, each with five crinkled petals and a distinctive white-marked standard petal.

Growth

This fast-growing, semi-deciduous tree reaches 30–40 feet tall and 40–60 feet wide. The feathery, bipinnately compound leaves provide dappled shade. It is native to Madagascar but widely planted in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Culture

Full sun, well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Requires space for its massive spread. Prune only to remove dead wood. Hardy in zones 10–11; frost damages young trees. The large seed pods are decorative but can be a litter nuisance.

Taxonomy

• Family: Caesalpiniaceae (Fabaceae)
• Genus: Delonix
• Species: regia
• Synonyms: Caesalpinia regia, Poinciana regia