Delonix regia Seeds | Royal Poinciana
LATIN NAME: Delonix regia
COMMON NAME: Royal Poinciana
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia) is a spreading, deciduous tree in the pea family (Fabaceae). For a few weeks in height of summer, royal poinciana turns the whole crown into a single mass of flame. Beneath tree fallen flowers carpet ground in red, and long, flat, woody pods hang on into the winter. It is a tree of warm, tropical lowlands of island of Madagascar, and it is known as royal poinciana. Mature plants top out at about Twelve metres. Its appeal to pollinating insects adds a second, ecological layer to its ornamental one. Not many plants ask so little and repay so much.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the pea family, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. For a tree with such a flaming summer show, royal poinciana has a rich and continuing record of study. From a research perspective, species of this kind are valuable material for work on propagation and on the selection of uniform lines.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Royal Poinciana has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. Around warm garden and tropical street, royal poinciana is a tree of great summer show. Its vast, flat heads of scarlet-orange flowers open in height of summer and pull in bees, butterflies and nectar-feeding birds of region, while its fine, feathery leaves give a light, filtered shade through the heat. Wide, spreading crown makes it one of fine shade trees of warm world, and long, flat, woody pods hang on through the winter. Given the right start, it carries on with minimal intervention.
The flamboyant tree is pure spectacle, a flame-flowered shade tree of the tropics with folk bark records but a primarily ornamental role.
Growing from Seed
Raising Royal Poinciana from seed is straightforward. Sow the seed evenly over the surface and cover lightly, using a loose, well-drained seed compost, and keep it just moist in bright light until the seedlings are well up. A spell of cool, moist conditions ahead of sowing brings the seed along nicely and supports even germination. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
Royal Poinciana repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
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