Product Review

Royal poinciana is deciduous in climates that have a marked dry season, but in Florida and other areas where the winter is not that much dryer than the summer, it is a semi-evergreen tree. Even the leaves are elegant: they are lacy and fernlike, twice-pinnate, and 12-20" long with 20-40 pairs of primary leaflets (pinnae), each divided into 10-20 pairs of secondary leaflets (pinules). The dark brown pods are flat and woody, up to 24" long and 2" wide. A naturally occurring variety (var. flavida) has golden-yellow flowers. Location Royal poinciana is native to Madagascar. It is widely cultivated and may be seen adorning avenues, parks and estates in tropical cities throughout the world. Hardiness: USDA Zones 10 - 12. Royal poinciana should not be exposed to temperatures below about 45 F. Propagation: Propagate royal poinciana from semi-ripe tip cuttings taken in summer. Best results come with bottom heat. Usage Royal poinciana is a spectacular shade tree in tropical climates. As a free standing specimen tree, it has no peers. Picture this beauty framed by a cluster of coconut palms!