Delonix regia – Flamboyant, Royal Poinciana

Description

Considered by some to be the worlds most beautiful tree, this large, partially dry deciduous tree from lowland forests in northern and western Madagascar forms a huge, spreading crown with finely pinnate foliage and beautiful red flowers that cover the entire plant for several weeks before the new leaves appear. A popular and easily grown ornamental, widely planted around the world in tropical climates in USDA Zones 10 and above. Seeds should be scarified or immersed in boiling water to break dormancy, then soaked at room temperature for a day.