Delonix regia, Poinciana regia

One of the most conspicuous flowering trees seen in the tropics. Bright fiery red/orange blossoms cover its mimosa type leaves which close up and go to sleep for the night. Can be grown as a potted tree. Very tropical! This large tree, which naturally assumes a spreading umbrella shape, is now found in gardens, parks, and planted along streets throughout the tropics. It can grow as tall as 59ft and has smooth greyish-colored bark and attractive feathery, fern-like leaves, which drop annually during the dry season. At the same time as the new leaves appear, the tree is covered with masses offive-petalled flowers that are usually bright red-orange but may also appear in pale apricot. Blooming is followed by long, flattened, leathery dark brown or black seed pods. Delonix requires full sun and adequate space to take its characteristic form. It flowers best in areas that have two distinct seasons but can be impressive even in moister places.

"The Royal Poinciana is one of the most spectacular flowering trees in the USA, and probably among the top 10 on this planet. In full bloom, it is like a regal elephant caparisoned in red and yellow brilliance." (Larry M. Schokman, The Kampong, National Tropical Botanic Garden)

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Varieties:

Delonix regia var. flavida

Delonix regia var. Golden

Similar plants:

• Delonix elata, Poinciana elata, Delonix decaryi (Mseele, White Poinciana, White Gul Mohur, Vaadhanaaraayanan)
• Delonix floribunda, Delonix adansonioides (Baobab Poinciana)
• Delonix pumila (Dwarf Flamboyant)
• Delonix regia var. flavida (Golden Royal Poinciana, Yellow Poinciana)
• Delonix regia var. Golden (Flame tree, Flamboyant, Royal poinciana, Gul Mohr, Peacock Flower)
• Caesalpinia pulcherrima 'Compton', Poinciana pulcherrima (Pride of Barbados, Pink Dwarf Poinciana, Flower Fence)
• Erythrostemon gilliesii, Caesalpinia gillesii, Poinciana gilliesii (Yellow Bird of Paradise, Yellow dwarf poinciana, Bird of Paradise Bush, Desert Bird of Paradise)