Peltophorum pterocarpum (Yellow Poinciana) is a flowering deciduous tree that is native to tropical regions of southern Asia and northern Australia. The Yellow Poinciana is a low maintenance ornamental tree with bright yellow flowers. It is fast growing and attracts plenty of pollinators into the garden.
Suitable for Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Peltophorum pterocarpum is also commonly called the Copperpod, Yellow Flame Tree or Yellow Flamboyant and have a rather short life-span of around 50 years.
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Growth
Peltophorum pterocarpum is a fast growing deciduous tree that grows to a maximum height of 25 metres (82 feet) and a width of 15 metres (49 feet). In their native tropical habitat, Yellow Poinciana trees tolerate poor soils and low rainfall but do not tolerate frost. They grow well in temperatures that range from 15-35°C / 59-95°F but once established can withstand short periods below 5°C / 41°F.
In colder climates, Yellow Poincianas seedlings are best grown in containers where they can be protected from imminent cold spells until they are bigger.
As part of the legume family, the fallen deciduous leaves can be used as a fertiliser for other plants to increase their access to nitrogen. In ideal conditions, the Yellow Poinciana tree can begin flowering in around 4-5 years.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Fabaceae
CLIMATE:
Sub-Tropical and Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
0-35°C / 32-95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well draining.
LOCATION:
Full sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 25m (82 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 15m (49 feet)
pH:
6.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low.
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
4-5 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
55-65%
GERMINATION TIME:
Soak for 24 hours and then 4-6 weeks.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 7
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes.
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
No.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage – 4°C (Fridge) 3 years
FACTS ABOUT PELTOPHORUM PTEROCARPUM (Yellow Poinciana)
The wood from a Peltophorum pterocarpum tree is used in cabinet making, wood tools and firewood while the foliage is fed to livestock or added to compost piles for fertiliser.
In traditional medicine, Yellow Poincianas have been used to cure or relieve intestinal disorders, sprains, bruises and muscular pains.
The trees have been grown alternately in India with both the Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia) and the Jacaranda tree (Jacaranda mimosifolia) to provide stunning colour contrasts with both the red and purple.
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