Royal poinciana - Delonix regia (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Royal poinciana

Also known as: Flame tree, Flame of the forest, Red tree

Royal poinciana (Delonix regia) is also known as the “peacock tree” or the “flamboyant tree.” It’s a Madagascar native and is known for its brilliant crimson or red-yellow flowers. It grows exceedingly fast, reaching its maximum height of around 12 m in a short amount of time.

Scientific classification

Species

Royal poinciana (Delonix regia)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Bloom Time

All year round

Harvest Time

8 m to 12 m

Plant Height

12 m to 21 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

7 cm to 10 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Black, Red, Green

Fruit Color

Red, Orange

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Royal poinciana

Distribution of Royal poinciana

Distribution Map

Royal poinciana is native to Madagascar and has been widely cultivated in regions with tropical and subtropical climates. This species has become part of the landscape on several continents, introduced to both the Old and New Worlds. While royal poinciana is prized for its ornamental qualities and thrives in a variety of settings, in certain areas, it is sometimes thought to be invasive and may have an impact on ecosystems, adapting to local conditions with varying degrees of ecological consequences. This species is especially cultivated for its striking appearance and environmental resilience.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Forests

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Royal poinciana is an extremely showy and flamboyant tree for tropical gardens. Considered one of the most attractive woody species to grow, it is a colorful addition to tropical and Mediterranean gardens. However, never plant it near paved garden paths or another type of brickwork as its invasive root system can cause damage to these structures.

Symbolism

Farewell, missing, and passionate youth

Interesting Facts

It is said that a group of egrets settled on a deserted island, where flowers began to bloom and attracted many animals to live on it. The king of the snakes wanted to occupy the island. The leader of the egrets defeated the king of the snakes, but was seriously injured. A big tree grew in the place it died. Flowers were as red as the blood of the egret. This was the royal poinciana plant.

Name Story

Fire tree||Flamboyant||Royal poinciana||Flame tree: Delonix regia used to belong to the genus Poinciana, so it has kept the name of the former genus in its common name. Royal poinciana is also referred to as Flamboyant, Fire tree, or Flame tree, because of its clusters of flame-red blooms.

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Toxicity

Keep the royal poinciana plant away from small children as its seeds and other parts contain toxic glycopeptides. These can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in large amounts, and extreme doses may lead to rapid heartbeat and unconsciousness. Royal poinciana also poses mild toxicity risks to cats and dogs if seeds are ingested, leading to gastrointestinal upset.

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Care Guide for Royal poinciana

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Royal poinciana thrives in tropical environments and requires watering every 1-2 weeks, showing drought tolerance while preferring moderate humidity. Its expansive canopy is visually striking and helps intercept rainwater, supporting its hydration and influencing the surrounding microclimate.

Fertilize: For royal poinciana, use a balanced fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium twice yearly—spring and late summer. Avoid over-fertilization to maintain flowering. Water soil before and after application, and reduce fertilization in winter during slower growth to prevent root burn.

Pruning: Royal poinciana features vibrant red flowers and an umbrella-shaped canopy. Prune in early spring by removing dead or crossing branches to enhance structure and flowering. Avoid heavy pruning to prevent sap bleeding. Regular maintenance improves air circulation, helping reduce disease risk.

Propagation: Royal poinciana can be propagated using hardwood cuttings, air layering, or seeds, ideally in autumn and winter. The process is easy, with roots and shoots indicating success. Ensure cuttings or layers are pest and disease-free before propagation.

Repotting: For royal poinciana, repot every 2-3 years in spring to support its rapid growth. Use larger containers for root expansion, ensuring consistent watering and apply high-phosphorus fertilizer to aid recovery and new growth, maintaining its vibrant tropical appearance.

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Images of Royal poinciana

Distribution of Royal poinciana

Culture

Toxicity

Care Guide for Royal poinciana

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