African tulip tree (Spathodea campanulata)

21 Dec, 2014
7 likes

“king of flowering trees” native to tropical Africa.
Every flower bud is pressurized with a watery nectar as it expands; if you squeeze the buds just right, they make an effective water pistol that can be accurate up to ten feet away. Great fun for kids.
Very popular tree here blooming in this time of the year.

I have seen one with yellow flowers as well but they are rare sighting.

Comments on this photo

Terratoonie

Pretty tree.. and interesting info !

21 Dec, 2014

Klahanie

:-)

22 Dec, 2014

Delonix1

It's beautiful! It's my second favorite flowering tree after Delonix regia (which is considered the most beautiful flowering tree in the world, by many).

My African Tulip tree has been flowering constantly since April of 2013 (which is not typical for this tree). There's several in full bloom here in San Diego, also. Spathodea campanulata 'Aurea' (Golden-yellow African Tulip tree) is pretty common here, also. It's a common grafted tree at the nurseries. It's also easily grown from cuttings. The seeds from the variety 'Aurea' does not grow true-to-type, though.

22 Dec, 2014

Klahanie

:-)

23 Dec, 2014

Stan510

On my list!

25 Dec, 2014

Stan510

Nice Castor bean tree to the left too. They actually make short lived small tree's here too.
And sugar cane in the middle?..I see it in my neighbors yards all wild and bushy. Not sure if the canes sweeten up.

25 Dec, 2014

Klahanie

Stan, I am quite amazed what you pick up in these photos. Kudos to you.

25 Dec, 2014

Comment on this photo

Pictures by all members
53400 of 300647