Scientific
classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
Family:
Bignoniaceae
Genus:
Spathodea
Species:
Spathodea campanulata
Binomial
name:
Spathodea campanulata P.Beauv.
Other
Names: African tuliptree, fountain tree, pichkari or Nandi
flame
Special
feature: Spathodea is a monotypic genus in the flowering
plant family Bignoniaceae, with a single species pathodea campanulata
The tree grows between 7–25 m (23–82 ft) tall and is
native to tropical dry forests of Africa. It has been nominated as among 100 of
the "World's Worst" invaders.
This tree is planted extensively as an ornamental
tree throughout the tropics and is much appreciated for its very showy
reddish-orange or crimson (rarely yellow), campanulate flowers. The generic
name comes from the Ancient Greek words σπαθη (spathe) and οιδα (oida), referring
to the spathe-like calyx. It was identified by Europeans in 1787 on the Gold
Coast of Africa.
The flower bud is ampule-shaped and contains water.
These buds are often used by children who play with its ability to squirt the
water. The sap sometimes stains yellow on fingers and clothes. The open flowers
are cup-shaped and hold rain and dew, making them attractive to many species of
birds. (Wikipedia)
