Flamboyant
(Delonix Regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf. )
Flamboyant
(Delonix Regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf. )
Originating in South America and Madagascar, the plant subsequently spread to Asia, including China, India, Japan, Indonesia, and Latin America.
The Flamboyant tree is often planted along roadsides as a shade tree and an ornamental plant. Furthermore, it also possesses numerous benefits as a traditional medicine. In the Caribbean Islands, Flamboyant seeds are used as a percussion instrument.
This plant is classified as a protected species.
The Flamboyant tree thrives in tropical regions with full sunlight and air temperatures between 14−26ºC. This plant is drought-tolerant, requires an average annual rainfall of 700−1,800 mm/year, and prefers a soil pH of 5.6−6. The Flamboyant can live in open spaces such as along roadsides, in city parks, and in home gardens.
The root system features buttress roots and spreads easily.
The stem (trunk) has a smooth texture, is sympodial (branching from lateral buds), and is grayish-brown.
The leaves are compound, reaching a length of up to 70 cm, with 20-30 oval-shaped leaflets. The leaves are hairy, and the venation is pinnate.
The flowers are red or orange and measure 10 cm. The flower petals have serrated edges.
The fruit is sword-like (a large, flat pod), bright green when young, and turns brownish-black when mature.
The seeds are small, black, large, and dense, contained within the pod (legume).
Propagation is done generatively (by seed). Mature seeds are dried under direct sunlight until completely dry. Soak the seeds in warm water overnight before planting them into pots.
It is used to treat diabetes, bronchitis, rheumatism, fever/heat, pneumonia, and anemia. It also treats wounds and boils, and supports eye and bone health. It possesses properties that are antiviral, antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimalarial.
Anthocyanins, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, amino acids, phytosterols, alkanes, cyanidin, carotenoids, lectin, chlorogenic acid, stigmasterol, linoleic acid, phytol, β-sitosterol, steroid carotenoids, phenolic acids (gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, salicylic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, lycopene), lupeol, galactomannans, and hydrocarbons phytotoxins.
Socfindo Conservation. 2021. Flamboyan. https://www.socfindoconservation.co.id/plant/447 (24-04-2023)