Delonix regia ROYAL POINCIANA (5 seeds)

Royal Poinciana, also known as Flame Tree, Flamboyant, or Delonix regia in Latin, is a fast-growing tropical tree. Native to Madagascar, Africa, it reaches 10 meters in height and belongs to the Caesalpiniaceae family. Its umbrella-like shape provides perfect shade for garden family gatherings.

Its red flowers are gathered in clusters. They consist of 5 petals, one of which is slightly larger than the others. Its summer flowering period is long, extending from June to October. The name "Flamboyant" or "Flame Tree" takes its full meaning during this spectacular bloom.

Its non-edible fruits are large brown pods measuring 40 to 70 cm in length, developing right after flowering in November.

Delonix regia seeds are very hard, cylindrical, black and brown, shaped like large colored beans measuring approximately 2 cm in length.

- Uses:

The Flamboyant is primarily grown as an ornamental plant. Its remarkable flowers offer a brilliant, long-lasting bloom throughout the summer. Thanks to its wide-spreading habit, it is prized in gardens and public spaces for its exotic touch and majestic shade. In Madagascar, its wood is used to make pirogues (canoes), its seeds for ethnic pendants, and its deciduous leaves to treat coughs and rheumatism.
Do not consume without medical advice from a healthcare professional.

- Germination and Sowing Seeds:

• The best period to sow the Royal Poinciana is from late May to late July.
• Scarify the seeds with sandpaper until the cotyledons are just visible.
• Soak them for 12 hours in lukewarm water to break dormancy.
• Prepare small 5 cm pots filled with moistened peat and compost or a well-draining horticultural soil.
• Bury the seeds 1 cm deep, laying them flat, and pack the soil lightly.
• Water gently using a sprayer.
• Place the pots in a greenhouse in a warm, humid spot with a minimum temperature of 30°C.
• Germination usually begins within 3 to 6 weeks after sowing.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

It requires a substrate rich in organic matter and well-draining. When planting, use a mix of compost and garden soil.

- Exposure / Light:

Poinciana regia loves bright light. It is recommended to plant it in a very sunny location to ensure a beautiful bloom.

- Irrigation / Water Needs:

This iconic Malagasy tree needs water, especially during planting. Water at the base of the plant twice a week for the first two weeks. Be careful not to drown the roots.

- Temperatures / Hardiness:

The Flame Tree thrives in temperatures ranging from 25 to 35°C. It is non-hardy and will unfortunately not survive freezing temperatures. It is imperative to bring the plant into a greenhouse or conservatory by late autumn. In mild (frost-free) climates, it can be grown in the ground.

- Multiplication / Reproduction:

There are two ways to propagate it: either by cuttings of woody stems (taking 15 cm shoots and using the "smothered" or high-humidity method) or by seeds in early summer.

- Pests / Diseases:

This exotic tree can be attacked by spider mites or whiteflies if grown in a greenhouse.