Wikimedia Commons
Fabaceae
Phoenix Flower
Delonix regia
Rebirth, tropical splendor, and passionate energy.
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Genus
- Delonix
- Native to
- Madagascar
- Bloom season
- Late Spring, Summer
- Type
- deciduous tree
- Height
- 600–1200 cm
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil
- sandy, well-drained
- Water
- low to moderate
- Hardiness
- 10–12
- Lifespan
- perennial tree; 50+ years
Did you know
- Delonix regia is classified as Vulnerable in the wild in Madagascar but is planted worldwide in tropical cities.
- Its spreading canopy can reach 12 meters wide, creating a vivid scarlet umbrella visible from the air.
- The flat seed pods can grow up to 60 cm long and were used as rhythm instruments in Caribbean music.
- In Vietnam it is called 'hoa phuong' and is deeply associated with school graduation season.
- Each flower has four identical scarlet petals and one larger 'banner' petal streaked with white and yellow.
Color meanings
Red
fiery passion and renewal
Orange
exuberance and celebration