Flame of the Forest

DELONIX REGIA

Common Name: Flame Of The Forest

Chinese Name: 鳳凰木

Family: Caesalpiniaceae (Caesalpinioideae) 蘇木科

Scientific Name: Delonix regia

Plant Type: Angiosperms (dicotyledons)

Flowering Period: Jun-Jul (Spring and early Summer)

Fruiting Period: Aug-Oct

Nativity to China/HK: Exotic

Height: 6-15 m

Facts:

• It has a dark grey trunk with an umbrella-like canopy that spreads out wide. Its width can reach the tree's height.

• Contain bipinnate compound leaves with 20 - 40 pairs of primary leaflets (pinnae), each divided into 10 - 12 paris of secondary leaflets (pinnules).

• Each leaf is about 30 - 50 cm long and is lacy and fern-like, consisting of smaller leaves which are round in shape and smooth edges.

• Its flowers are composed of 5 petals: 4 sppon-shaped, scarlet or orange-red in colour; 1 upright, slightly larger and yellow/white in colour.

• Its fruits are long, flat, woody pods which are black and hard when ripe. Each pod is about 60 cm long and 5 cm wide, containing 40 - 50 small seeds.

• Its roots are fast-growing and widely spreaded, which can be a threat to nearby footpaths and building foundations. They can tolerate salty conditions, drought, and a wide range of well-drained soils from acidic to alkaline.

• Its bark can be made into Chinese medicine that lowers blood pressure and relieves dizziness.

• The Flame of the Forest provides protection from strong winds and shading for people. Considered as one fo the most beautiful trees in the world, it can be easily found in parks and avenues, transforming the neighbourhood with its flame and beauty.

• It is at its best in early summer when cicadas start to sing.