royal poinciana

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royal poinciana

plant

Also known as: Delonix regia, flamboyant tree, peacock tree

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Jan 20, 2025 • Article History

Also called:: flamboyant tree or peacock tree

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royal poinciana, (Delonix regia), strikingly beautiful flowering tree of the pea family (Fabaceae). It is native to Madagascar, and it has been widely planted in frost-free regions for its large scarlet to orange flowers and its shade. It is a rapid grower, attaining a height of 6 to 12 metres (20 to 40 feet) and bears compound leaves that reach 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 feet) in length. The fruit is a flat woody legume, up to 60 cm (2 feet) long.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.