Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Spathodea campanulata or African tulip tree

The genus Spathodea, family Bignoniaceae, includes a single species of tropical tree native to Africa: Spathodea campanulata.

Common names: African tulip tree, Fountain tree, Pichkari, Nandi flame. This species is native to tropical Africa.

They are evergreen trees with an elegant bearing and a wide crown (10 meters/32.8 feet in diameter) that reach 25 meters (82 feet) in height. The leaves are pinnately compound, 70 cm (2.29 feet) long, and have 15 dark green elliptical leaflets. The large and abundant orange flowers appear in terminal racemes. They usually bloom in spring but can do so in other seasons. The fruits are pod-shaped.

They are used as shade trees in large gardens and in public streets and parks for their attractive flowering and elegant bearing. They are fast growing plants ideal for regions with a tropical or subtropical climate. In Mexico many specimens are seen on the streets and in private gardens.

The Spathodea campanulata needs a sunny exposure and high temperatures; if it's cold (less than 8 ºC/46.4 ºF) they can lose the leaves. They do not resist frost.

The soil must have little lime, be light and contain organic matter; they can grow in poor soils.

Water frequently so that the soil does not dry out completely; they resist several days of drought.

They do not need pruning.

Fertilize in autumn with manure.

They are trees resistant to the usual pests and diseases.

They are propagated from seeds (they germinate easily), by cuttings or from root shoots. In tropical climates they can become invasive plants.

Images of the tree Spathodea campanulata or African tulip tree