Royal Poninciana, Flamboyant

Delonix regia  Raf.

de-LOE-nicks  REE-gee-uh

Caesalpiniaceae (Legumes)

Key to Delonix  Raf.

Synonym: Poinciana regia Bojer ex Hook.

Explanation of name: From Greek delos, conspicuous, and onux, clawed; refers to the long clawed petals. Regia means royal.

Natural range: Madagascar (DEH)

Recognition: Tree with large drooping canopy.  Leaves bipinnate with 20 to 40 pinnae, which contain 10 to 20 leaflets. Flowers generally red and/or orange, showy, with long clawed petals, 3" to 4" wide.  Fruit legume, 4" wide and 24" long (DEH, HOR, ISE, BA2, WAT, CHR, UFST228)

Landscape uses: Shade tree, specimen tree, street tree, with large showy summer flowers  (DEH, HOR, WAT, CHR, UFST228)

Notes: Delonix regia, like the fruit of the Cassia’s are held for a year before they mature and fall. Delonix regia is light sensitive and trees that grow beside street lamps remain evergreen and do not bloom, or may produce flowers on the side away from the light.