Royal Poinciana: Flamboyant Tree

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.

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.

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.

 

Properly pruned tree will develop an umbrella shape canopy

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.

Flame of the Forest—Butea Monosperma Tree

 

Popularly known as "Flame of the Forest", the Butea Monosperma often heralds the start of the Spring season. These distinct trees in season are profuse with flowers and although they may be cultivated in gardens and compounds, the tree is generally found in the wilderness.

Blossoms great source of food for birds

Butea Monosperma is a species native in India and has the common names of Flame of the Forest, Palash and Bastard Teak. It is a small dry season deciduous tree which grows to around 15m (49ft) in height. It is a slow growing tree and saplings have a growth rate of only a few feet per year.

The flowers of this tree, which usually start appearing in February and lasts till the end of April, are a food source for birds. The colour extracted from the flowers of the Flame of the Forest can be used as dye for fabrics. The preparation of this colour entails drying the flowers for two days, and thereafter crushing the flowers and making them into powder which is later mixed with water to bring out the bright red colour. The extract is used during such celebrations as Holi.

Wood of this tree is regarded as suitable for: timber, resin, fodder and medicine. Spoons and ladles made from the wood of this tree are used in various Hindu rituals. Although the leaves are leathery and not suitable as cattle fodder, they are used as stitch leaf plates in rural areas.

Blossoms compared to the red nails of Cupid (Kamadeva)

In Andhra Pradesh, the flowers of this tree are used in the worship of Lord Siva during Shivaratri. The mythology behind this tree states that it is a form of Agni, the God of Fire. In the Gita Govinda the blossoms of this tree are compared to the red nails of Kamadeva (Cupid), with which the latter wounds the hearts of lovers; and refers to the blossoms of the nearly leafless tree as a net of flowers which entraps the hearts of lovers.

In Rudyard Kipling's story Beyond the Pale, the author writes that the blossom of this tree symbolise "desire" and "danger". The tree is also featured in Kipling's famed "The Jungle Book" in the story "Tiger! Tiger!" as the tree Mowgli instructs his wolf-brother Grey Brother to wait under for a signal that Khan has returned.