African Tulip Tree

Description:

It is a tree that grows between 7–25 m (23–82 ft) tall and is native to tropical Africa. 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. It has the potential to become an invasive species, however. It is commonly planted as a street tree in India. It is considered evergreen but it sheds leaves in dry summers and hence it is a dry season deciduous tree.

Habitat:

Throughout the tropics.

Notes:

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 holds rain and dew, making them attractive to many species of birds. In Neotropical gardens and parks, their nectar is popular with many hummingbirds.