Peltophorum pterocarpum – Copperpod, Golden Flamboyant

Description

A magnificent, medium-sized, dry deciduous tree rarely more than 20 m tall, native to coastal forests and savannas in southern Asia and Australasia, with bipinnate foliage and showy racemes of golden yellow flowers. It is a popular ornamental in tropical countries, suitable for USDA Zones 10 and above, and makes a great shade tree. The finely grained wood is popular for furniture and other purposes. Seeds should be scarified or immersed in boiling water to break dormancy, then soaked at room temperature for a day.