I was on the highway when this flamboyant display of flowers on the man made green carpet caught my attention.
Woooww... it is the time of the year for this striking red tree to flower.
This deciduous tree with an umbrella crown with vermilion flowers and bright green foliage is Delonix Regia.
Delonix derived from the Greek delos meaning conspicuous and onux meaning a claw, referring to the claw-like petals.
It has many common names such as flame of the forest, flame tree, royal poinciana, peacock flower or flamboyant tree.
An Austrian botanist, Wenzel Bojer discovered this tree in Madagascar in 1820 who then introduced it to Mauritius before it has been grown throughout the tropics. Unfortunately, this tree native of Madagascar where it is now almost extinct in the wild. Since this species of tree is growing very well in many places, I wonder if someone will reintroduce this plant back to its place of origin.
This flamboyant tree can be an invasive species by having superficial roots that competes successfully with neighbouring shrubs and flowering plants. It is recommended to be planted away from other plants in the gardens.
Seed pods keep hanging until they are dropped by wind currents, where they rot on the ground releasing the seeds.
These wasps partying among the scented flowers
I think this landscaper has made a good choice by planting this tree on this ugly golf course. At least it brightens the man made green carpet. Since this area has been invaded by homosapiens to build golf course, does it matter if this tree is planted to invade other plants?
References:
1. Dr Wee Yeow Chin. (2003). Tropical trees and shrubs: a selection for urban planting (pp. 32-33). Singapore: Sun Tree Publishing.
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