Flamboyant Tree in Winter

This tree is exotic at any season in Águas da Prata. It's Botanical name is Delonix Regia.

The Royal Poinciana, Delonix regia (family Fabaceae), is a tropical or subtropical
flowering plant. It is also known by the names Gulmohar, Flamboyant Tree, Peacock Flower, Flame of the Forest, and Flame Tree. The tree is named after Phillipe de Longviliers de Poincy who is credited for introducing the plant to the Americas.

The Royal Poinciana has been described as the most colourful tree in the world. The tree's vivid red/vermilion/orange/yellow flowers and bright green foliage in any case make it an exceptionally striking sight.




It has gone to seed now and here are the large seed pods in profusion.




They are about 25cm long and very hard and dry now.





These large trees are in many places around town. These ones are near the Grande Hotel Prata.





They line the street beside the old railway station, across the street from the town Counsel Chambers.




They are large and something to be seen in summer.





This is a dried seed pod.





They fall all the time now in mid to late September.





You can see these pods everywhere around the trees.


When these trees are in bloom in summer the have hundreds of brilliant red - vermilion - orange or yellow flowers and bright green foliage. We will have many photos of them in bloom later.



Photos by Urso Branco