African Tulip Tree
One of the most striking of winter-flowering trees found in southern Florida is the African Tulip Tree (Spathodea campanulata). This fast grower is native to tropical areas of western and central Africa, where it can reach about 80 ft. in height. In South Florida it tends to be a little smaller, but still a very large tree.
The African Tulip Tree should be grown in full sun. Its 3-4 inch flowers, generally produced near the top of the crown, are most commonly bright orange in color. However, it was discovered when grown from seed, there is a small percentage of trees that have yellow flowers. This color can be maintained by grafting cuttings from the yellow form onto orange rootstock. What makes the African Tulip tree particularly showy is the flowers cluster, which at a distance creates the impression of a very large flower.
Richard Lyons Nursery currently has both flower colors in stock.
Spathodea campanulata (Orange African Tulip Tree) Spathodea campanulata ‘Aurea’ (Yellow African Tulip Tree) Grafted Spathodea campanulata(Orange and Yellow Flower of African Tulip Tree)
