Delonix regia
Delonix regia (Latin: Delonix regia) is a tree in the legume family, native to Madagascar. Due to its magnificent, vibrant blooms, it quickly spread across the planet to warm, sunny, and saline-free soils.
It prefers loose, sandy, dry soils without excessive salt content. It tolerates prolonged drought, but blooms more profusely when moisture is available.
Many Names
As the tree travels around the globe, it acquires new names, as each culture tries to give the Delonix its own name. For its lush scarlet blooms, many countries call it the “Fire Tree” or “Tree of Fire.” However, there are many other names, such as “Phoenix Tail” and “Flower of Calvary.” The tree was named “Flower of Calvary” by Christians from India, who believed the scarlet flowers were drops of Jesus Christ”s blood that fell from the ill-fated cross onto the Delonix, which happened to be near the site of his execution. Since those legendary times, the flowers have blazed in the hot rays of the sun, reminding people of the god-man who gave his life to save humanity.
Description
The Delonix reginae is an evergreen tree that can become deciduous if left without sufficient moisture for a long time. The tree”s leaves are a natural work of art, possessing a doubly pinnate structure. The first row of leaves is arranged in pairs perpendicular to the stem, with pairs of small oval leaflets arranged along the petiole. These leaflets fold toward each other at dusk. Large, broad leaves form a beautiful crown, filtering the scorching sun”s rays that scorch all life on Earth, tempering their scorching ardor. It”s pleasant to rest in the tree”s shade when the outside thermometer soars.
The scarlet inflorescences, consisting of large, five-petaled flowers, are the tree”s main attraction. Blooming occurs at different times across the planet, resulting in the year-round adornment of the planet by the Delonix reginae, as seen from space. In tropical climates, blooming is so abundant that the leaves modestly give way to the scarlet inflorescences, transforming the tree into a blazing torch. One petal dominates the others, rising vertically from the calyx and distinguished from the other petals by its white and yellow spots on the surface.
The fruit of Delonix regalis is a long bean pod, each seed in which has its own space. Green pods hang from the tree in clusters, gradually turning black and rusty. People living on the Hawaiian Islands use the woody pods as firewood for cooking.
Reproduction and care
Delonix royal is propagated by sowing seeds or cuttings. In favorable conditions, young seedlings quickly gain height and acquire lacy leaves, forming a spreading crown.
The tree does not need special care. To maintain the evergreen state of the leaves during prolonged drought, artificial watering is required.
Usage
Delonix royal is widely used in landscaping resort towns in warm countries on our planet. Its lush crown, the diameter of which often exceeds the height of the tree (from 5 to 15 meters), gives the earth and people beneficial shade on hot days.
Delonix Royal or Fire Umbrella
