Spathodea campanulata

Common Name: African Tulip Tree

Family: Bignoniaceae

Country of Origin: W. Trop. Africa to Uganda and Angola

Description: This spectacular, fast-growing tree grows to about 80 ft (24 m) tall. The large, flat clusters of velvety, bronze-green buds and big, nectar-rich, orange-red flowers with yellow frilly edges are borne through spring and summer. The leaves are bronze when young, maturing to deep glossy green. The fruit are 8 in (20 cm) long.

Uses: Edible: Winged seeds are reported to be edible.

Medicinal: Bark is commonly used as a dressing for ulcers and skin diseases, applied dried, pulverized, or as fresh inner bark. A leaf decoction is used as lotion. In Africa, the stem bark is used as a paste for wound healing. In Senegal, bruised leaves and flowers are applied to wounds. In Gabon, flowers are applied to ulcers. In Southern Nigeria, leaves used for convulsions.In Gold Coast, bark decoction taken for constipation and gastrointestinal problems and dysentery. Cold infusion of leaves used for urethral inflammation. In Ghana, the stem bark and leaf used for treatment of dyspepsia and peptic ulcer; leaf, root bark and fruit used for arthritis and fractures; the stem bark used for toothaches and stomachaches; root bark seed used for stomach ulcers. In Rwanda, decoction of stem bark used for diabetes. In Ayurveda, used for kidney diseases.

Studies have shown extracts to have anti-microbial, hypo-glycemic, anti-malarial, healing activity for burn wounds, antifungul, analgesic/anti-inflammatory, abillity to absorb UV radiation, anti-convulsant/ glycoside, and nephroprotective properties. ⁵

USDA Zone: 11-12

Accession #: 199200447

Accession Date: 1992-12-31

Bloom Status: 🪴 Not Flowering

Location: 1116

Quantity: 3

Source: Unknown

Culture: Prefers acidic, rich, well-drained sandy soil, sunny position. Propagation is usually from seed, which can be variable.

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Subclass: euasterid I

Order: Lamiales

Family: Bignoniaceae

Tribe: Tecomeae