Poinciana Flame Tree

 

 

Characteristics

The Poinciana Flame Tree is well known for its fire like flowers and its tall grey tree trunk. With the tree being up to 18 to 20 metres in height, it takes approximately 3 years for the Poinciana tree to mature. A Poinciana tree reproduces by dropping the pods on the ground when they are ripe. They then travel by water, wind and garden waste.

 

Distribution and Abundance

The Poinciana Flame Tree (Delonix regia) was introduced from northern Madagascar and India to many parts of the world such as Australia, Hawaii and Mexico. The abundance of the Poinciana tree is unknown. The Poinciana can be found in tropical or rainforest habitats.

 

Impacts

In the Northern Territory the Poinciana is considered an invasive weed. This flora has taken over many parts of monsoonal vine thickets and wetlands. 

 

Management

In the Northern Territory there is a management plan to stop the growth of weeds and introduced flora. This management plan is called Grow Me Instead. They advise that instead of growing the Poinciana Flame Tree you should consider planting the Yellow Flame Tree which is a native tree.