Spathodea campanulata

Spathodea campanulata is an evergreen, tropical tree. It is from the Bignoniaceae family of plants. They also call it the African Tulip Tree, Fountain Tree, Nandi Flame, Nile Flame, Squirt Tree, Uganda Flamande, Flame Tree of Thika. This tree is native to tropical Africa. In its native habitat, and grows to 80ft or 26m tall. However, in other regions, it only grows to 35ft or 12m tall.

In other languages, they call it: Fakkelboom, Afrika-vlamboom in Afrikaans, Immortel Etranger in French, Rugtoora in Hindi, African Poomaram in Malayalam, Panchut-Panchut in Malay, Amapola, Espatodea, Tulipan Africano, in Spanish.

Spathodea campanulata has a rough-textured trunk that is grayish. The foliage is opposite, pinnately compound, and leathery and dark green. The leaves start as bronze-colored and then turn green. Spathodea campanulata flowers in late summer or autumn. The flowers grow in terminal clusters and are tulip-shaped, orangish-red, and have five petals. These flowers hold water and are rather popular with birds. Spathodea campanulata flowers are bisexual and zygomorphic. Its seeds grow in brownish elongated pods and are thin, flat, and winged.

How to grow Spathodea campanulata:

Grow Spathodea campanulata in the sun. Plant it in most types of soils as long as it is well-drained. It is generally disease-free and pest-free. Spathodea campanulata is invasive in many tropical regions such as Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.