Scarlet Sterculia

Firmiana colorata

A medium-sized to tall tree with grey bark, short branches, roundish lobed leaves. Tree bears scarlet-colored narrow flowers in clusters when the tree is completely leafless

Bark: Greyish, somewhat smooth

Leaf: Large (6-12’’), roundish, with several lobes, tapering to a pointy tip between lobes.

Flower: Stiff erect clusters, scarlet in color

Fruit: Papery, changes color from green to pink to straw colored on maturity.

Season: The foliage is shed during the cold season, after which the tree stands bare for several months, Flowers in March. fruiting mature by end of April or in May. The new leaves are produced after the fruits ripen.

Range/habitat:  This tree is a native of Bengal, Myanmar, south-western India, and Sri Lanka

Where to Find:  Till now I’ve only in Victorai Memorial compound. GPS 22.54332, 88.34325