The African Tulip tree, scientifically known as Spathodea campanulata, is an extremely showy, fast-growing large evergreen tree that brings magnificent beauty to landscapes. This striking beauty features a dazzling display of tulip shaped scarlet to blood red flowers that stand out against its glossy deep green leaves.
Invasive Plants in Florida you Should Know
What is an African Tulip Tree?
The African tulip tree is a member of the plant family Bignoniaceae. The tree grows between 7-25 m (23-82 ft) tall. It is much appreciated for its very showy reddish-orange or crimson (rarely yellow), campanulate flowers.
This tree is often seen adorning yards throughout the inland and coastal areas from San Diego to Orange County and into Hollywood and beyond. In the U. S., it currently grows in far southern Florida, southern California and Hawaii. It's a popular tree in Southern California as well as other regions in the Southwest. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and above.
Characteristics of the African Tulip Tree
- Height: It can reach heights of 80 feet (24 m.), but growth is usually limited to 60 feet (18 m.) or less with a width of about 40 feet (12m.). In cultivation, it grows to a much shorter 25-40' tall.
- Flowers: The flower produces large flamboyant reddish-orange flowers that have approximately five petals and are 8-15 cm long. Each flower is reddish orange with a crinkled yellow corolla margin and 4 brown-anthered center stamens. Upward-facing campanulate flowers (each to 3" across) in dense clusters (racemes) emerge from velvety, horn-shaped buds located at the branch tips.
- Leaves: Each large compound leaf (to 20" long) has 5-19 deeply veined oval leaflets (to 4" long). Evergreen leaves are green, pinnate, opposite, made up of 5-19 oval leaflets and overall 1-2 feet long.
- Seed Pods: Flowers are followed by upward pointing, greenish brown seed pods (to 8" long), each of which contains about 500 papery seeds with transparent winglets. Pods split open when ripe to release abundant seed to the wind.
- Trunk: Somewhat buttressed trunk has warty gray bark.
Is African Tulip Tree Invasive?
Notwithstanding its beauty, African tulip tree is considered to be an aggressive and invasive spreader in many tropical areas where it has been introduced. A cousin to the rambunctious trumpet vine, African tulip tree tends to be invasive in tropical climates, such as Hawaii and southern Florida, where it forms dense thickets that interfere with native growth. It is less problematic in drier climates like southern California and central or northern Florida.
It produces abundant seeds which are carried by the wind or in the current of streams and rivers to new locations. The Division of Forestry and Wildlife of the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources has designated this species as one of Hawaiʻi’s Most Invasive Horticultural Plants.
Read also: Experience Fad's Fine African Cuisine
How to Grow African Tulip Trees
African tulip trees are somewhat difficult to grow by seed but easy to propagate by taking tip or root cuttings, or by planting suckers. Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-11 where it is easily grown in rich, moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils in full sun. As far as growing conditions, the tree tolerates shade but performs best in full sunlight. Tolerates part shade, but best flowering is in full sun. Similarly, although it is relatively drought tolerant, African tulip tree is happiest with plenty of moisture. Although it likes rich soil, it will grow in nearly any well-drained soil.
Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun is best for optimal flowering.
- Soil: Grows in nearly any well-drained soil, though it prefers rich soil.
- Moisture: Requires plenty of moisture, though it is relatively drought tolerant once established.
African Tulip Tree Care
Newly planted African tulip trees benefit from regular irrigation. However, once established, the tree requires little attention. It is rarely bothered by pests or disease, but may temporarily shed its leaves during periods of severe drought. Gardeners need to prune after most rainstorms or light frosts to maintain good appearance. African tulip trees should be pruned regularly because the branches, which tend to be brittle, break easily in harsh winds. Must be sited in locations protected from wind because tree wood is weak and brittle.
Established plants have some drought tolerance, but trees subject to dry conditions often become ragged in appearance with some leaf drop. Foliage will die if temperatures dip to 28 degrees F., but roots may survive to 20 degrees F. Near the edge of its area of winter hardiness, it may be planted as a shrub in a protected area to facilitate regular pruning and removal of dead branches. Propagate by seed, cuttings or root suckers.
An African Tulip tree is a great choice for Southwestern landscapes. It's drought tolerant once established, does well with full sun exposure and requires low to moderate water use. A larger African Tulip tree will provide a good amount of shade to add some relief during those hot spring and summer months. It makes for an attractive place to rest and take in the natural beauty and small wildlife that's attracted to this tree. Plant one near a room that receives too much sunlight and you may be able to cool off the room and reduce utilities.
Benefits of Planting African Tulip Tree
- Ornamental Value: Known for its colorful blooms, which appear a few at a time.
- Shade: Provides a good amount of shade during hot months.
- Wildlife Attraction: Flowers and fruits attract insects and birds.
Concerns
Deadly nectar pools inside the numerous cup-shaped flowers. Unsuspecting pollinators face a quick death after imbibing the fatal substance. Toxic to some pollinators, research indicates this ever-blooming tree is a constant threat to beneficial insects.
Read also: The Story Behind Cachapas
Uses
A multi-use tree, its seeds are edible, various parts have reported medicinal use and the wood is good for carving.
If you love the look of the tropics and want to bring it home, this beautiful African Tulip tree is an excellent choice. Make it a focal point in your yard and add curb appeal and value to your home. Feel free to speak with a Moon Valley Nurseries professional for placement ideas. or schedule a free design consultation. We recommend planting with the Moon Valley Nurseries line of fertilizers for spectacular results! If you buy a big tree, let our landscape crew do all the work.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 25-80 feet |
| Flowers | Reddish-orange, tulip-shaped |
| Leaves | Pinnate, evergreen |
| Sunlight | Full sun preferred |
| Water | Regular irrigation for new trees; drought tolerant once established |
| Invasiveness | Potentially invasive in tropical climates |
Read also: Techniques of African Jewellery
