The common names for this tree are: Royal Poinciana, Mayflower, Flamboyant (because of its exuberant colours) and similarly to other tree species such as the Butea Monosperma Tree, Flame of the Forest and Flame Tree. This tree is known as Mayaram in Tamil and Gulmohar in Hindi.
The Royal Poinciana: Flamboyant Tree (Delonix Regia) is a flowering tree of the Fabaceae family. It has long fern-like leaves and exhibits a magnificent display of orange-red flowers over summer. This tree prefers an open, free-draining sandy or loamy soil enriched with organic matter and does not flourish in heavy or clay soils. Because of the dry, tropical conditions of South India, it grows well in the bright sunlight of summer and has a flowering season of April through July. The tree does not require heavy water and prefers being kept slightly dry. In areas with a marked dry season, it sheds its leaves during the drought, but in other areas it is virtually evergreen.
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| Bonnet Macaque Monkey eating the flowers |
Almost all parts of the Tree are used in Ayurveda (for medicinal purposes) with its leaves having the most beneficial properties. According to Ayurveda, the flowers and buds of the Flamboyant are sweet and nutritious and are helpful treating such problems as anaemia and diabetes. Its main medicinal application is in the case of sugar control, and its believed the tree has strong anti-diabetic properties. The Royal Poinciana is also considered helpful treating jaundice and liver problems.
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| Beautiful blooms of the Tree |
The Flamboyant, famous for its beauty, and one of the most popular trees in India and Tamil Nadu—comes in two species; one with red flowers and less commonly another species with orange blooms. This tree originates from the region of Madagascar and has been grown in India for more than 200 years. It is said that at the time of British rule in India, Britishers had tea gardens planted with Royal Poinciana for use as shady trees. Its use as a shade tree is enhanced by proper pruning which encourages the tree canopy to form into an umbrella-like shape, thus providing even more shade. The tree is not tall and generally grows to a modest height of 15 feet, but can reach a maximum height of 40 feet.
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| Properly pruned tree will develop an umbrella shape canopy |
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| Seed Pods soaked and ready for planting |
This tree is most commonly propagated by seeds. Seeds are collected, soaked in warm water for at least 24 hours, and planted in warm, moist soil in a semi-shaded, sheltered position. Less common, but just as effective, is propagation by semi-hardwood cuttings.
