Spathodea campanulata (Fountain Tree, African Tulip Tree, Flame-of-the-forest, Nandi Flame)


Botanical Information

FamilyBignoniaceae
GenusSpathodea
Speciescampanulata
CategoryTropicals
TypeTree (deciduous)

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9b-11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-4 to above 5
Temperature (°F)25 - 40
Height7-25 m
GrowthFast

Description and Growing Information

PropagationFrom herbaceous stem cuttings, softwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings and seed; sow indoors before last frost.
CultivationFull sun; moist rich soil, has some salt tolerance, foliage will be killed at 28 - 30° F, but the roots survive down to 20° F. These tree are grown for shade and tropical effects. Plant in frost free areas and/or protect from frost.
HabitatTropical Africa.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe trunk is light gray and somewhat buttressed.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionThe flower bud is ampule-shaped and contains water.
Leaf DescriptionWhen young, the leaves are bronze; deep glossy-green and leathery at maturity. The leaves are compound and comprised of three to four pairs of leaflets with a single one at the end. The leaves have conspicuous veining.
Flower DescriptionVery showy reddish-orange or crimson (rarely yellow), campanulate flowers.
Fruit DescriptionThe many seeds (about 500) are in an 20 cm long boat shaped pod that breaks open when it falls from the tree. The seeds are very small with transparent winglets.

Photographs