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GENERAL
Origin
:
sub-tropical,
tropical
Vigour
:
fairly fast
growing
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid, very
humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
high
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (1500
ppm)
Hardiness
:
-3°C
SHAPE
Type
:
tree
Height
:
15 m-18 m
Spread
:
8 m-15 m
Foliage
:
deciduous
FLOWER
Colour
:
red, orange
Size
:
8 cm - 10 cm
Period
:
June - September
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
pod
Fruit size
:
40 cm - 60 cm
Toxicity
:
poisonous
Flamboyants, or bonsiana in Arabic, are amongst the most popular ornamental trees found in
Arriyadh, where their feathery leaves are deciduous. Endemic to Madagascar, they are now distri-
buted worldwide for their colourful blossoms that make them a beautiful attraction in late spring
and early summer. Early plantings of the tree in Arriyadh during the early 1980s (CE) were not
always successful, because young trees could not withstand the exposure to hot dry winds. With
the gradual improvement of the microclimate and when planted close to the shelter of other trees.
Spectacular, large bunches of flowers are protruded by long stamens. Bright-scarlet inflorescences
appear from the age of 10 years onwards. After pollination, they develop into a large, dark-brown
seed pod. The bark is fine-textured, and light grey or beige. Susceptible to frost, the tree survives
a considerable period of drought and even tolerates some salinity, but such stress factors seem to
decrease its life expectancy. Requires regular irrigation. During the growing season, it is essential
to fertilise the tree, especially in poor, alkaline soil. It does best in fertile, well-drained ground
which is not restricted by adjacent pavements, roads or buildings, since Flamboyants are surface-
rooting and are liable to push up hard paving with their roots. The open, umbrella-shaped crown
is made up of brittle twigs that are susceptible to strong winds. For its extraordinary floral per-
formance, this tree deserves to be treated as a highlight in large gardens and parks.
128
Delonix regia,
Caesalpiniaceae
Flamboyant,
Royal Poinciana, Flame Tree, bonsiana