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Fabaceae
Royal Poinciana (Flame Tree)
Delonix regia
Tropical splendor, fiery passion, royal grace.
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Genus
- Delonix
- Native to
- Madagascar
- Bloom season
- Spring, Early Summer
- Type
- deciduous tree
- Height
- 9–12 m
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil
- Well-drained, sandy
- Water
- Low to moderate; drought tolerant
- Hardiness
- 10–12
- Lifespan
- 50+ years
Did you know
- Royal poinciana is considered one of the most beautiful trees in the world, sometimes called 'the most colorful tree on Earth' when in full bloom.
- It's the national flower of Saint Kitts and Nevis and a symbol of Madagascar — yet it's now endangered in its native habitat due to deforestation.
- The tree produces seed pods up to 60 cm long that are sometimes called 'shak-shaks' and used as percussion instruments in the Caribbean.
- Royal poinciana is the official tree of Key West, Florida, and the city of Miami celebrates it with a 'Royal Poinciana Fiesta' each spring.
- Each flower has four spreading red petals and one white-and-red 'standard' petal, called the 'flag.'