African tulip tree

Related to the trumpet vine, the African tulip tree is a most vibrant red when in bloom. It is because of the large reddish-orange trumpet shaped flowers that it is also known as the fireball, Nandi flame and fountain tree. According to the Ashante tribe of Ghana, the unopened red bud contains a drinkable sweet red nectar known as kσkσnsu, red tears.

Originally from Africa, it was brought to Hawai'i by the German physician William Hillebrand in the late 1800's. Other common names include: Balanta blalo (Senegal), Fula-pulaar (Guinea) and Bokyi kenshie (Nigeria).

The African tulip tree is a huge canopied tree which can reach up to 80' in height. The bark of the mature tree is green-brown and rough. The wide green ovate-oblong leaves are arranged oppositely. The fruit consists of a woody capsule holding the black-brown seeds which are easily blown in the wind. The reddish-orange flowers are pollinated by birds and bats.

In the late 1920's-30's, almost 30,000 trees were planted along Hana in Maui. This was before the African Tulip tree became known as an invasive species vying with other plants, especially native species, for sunlight.

Traditional Cultural and Medicinal Usages

• In various countries, parts of the tree are made into medicinal extracts used to treat malaria, gastrointestinal disorders, HIV, venereal diseases, gout, wounds and as a poison antidote
• Wood, bark and leaves contain ursolic acid which can be used to control Aedes mosquitoes
• Water gathered in the the tulip-like cup is very clean and drinkable
• Wood of the African Tulip tree has been used to make toys and musical instruments