Flamboyant Royalty: 5 Interesting Facts about the Poinciana Tree
by Yello Oct 8, 2018
St. Kitts and Nevis’ national tree is a vibrant burst of colour in gardens, along roads and deep in forests. Whether you call it a Flamboyant, Flame of the Forest, Poinciana or Delonix regia, you’re sure to have noticed the striking reds, oranges and yellows of this stunning flowering species of the Fabaceae family. Here are five interesting facts about the Poinciana tree.
They’re originally from Madagascar
Delonix regia is native to Madagascar, a small island off the coast of Mozambique that is home to a number of intriguing flora and fauna such as lemurs and fossa. It has been widely planted in the Caribbean and southern North America, where the environment of full sun and well-drained, moist soil suits it well.
They grow tall and fast
Flamboyant trees can grow to a height of 40ft and a width of 40-60ft. They reach these sizes quickly, producing growth hormones called phytohormones that assist with their year-round germination at a rate of 5ft per year – that’s fast for a tree!
They were named after a Governor
The Poinciana tree takes its name from Monsieur de Poincy, St. Kitts’ first French Governor who is said to have introduced the plant to the Caribbean region.
We call them “Shack-Shack”
The seed pods of Flamboyant trees are locally, onomatopoeically referred to as “shack-shack” because of the sound they make when shaken. The peas aren’t eaten, and throughout the Caribbean the pods are often used in art and craft projects for children and adults alike.
They’re the subject of a creepy Australian myth
In Darwin, Australia there is a nature preserve called the East Point Reserve where many flowering Poincianas grow. According to legend, the Poinciana trees are haunted by the malevolent spirit of a long-nailed woman seeking revenge.
Sources: Brittanica, Sciencing, Garden Nerdy, South Florida Plant Guide, Florida Gardener, St. Kitts Nevis LA, Curious Darwin
