Amherstia
Amherstia nobilis, family Fabaceae
In its own language: သော်ကကြီး
A rare tropical tree with large crimson flowers, once wild in Myanmar and Thailand
Amherstia nobilis is a tropical tree known for its striking crimson flowers and long, hanging flower stalks. Native to Myanmar and possibly Thailand, it is now extinct in the wild but widely grown as an ornamental tree in humid tropical regions.
- Known as the Pride of Burma for its striking crimson flowers
- Extinct in the wild, last seen in 1865
- Named after Lady Amherst and her daughter
- Flowers have a large, fan-shaped petal with yellow markings
- Widely grown as an ornamental tree in tropical regions
What does Amherstia look like?
Amherstia nobilis is a medium-sized tree that can reach up to 15 metres tall. Its most notable feature is its large, showy flowers that hang from long, bright crimson stalks. Each flower has five petals, with three being prominent: two are medium-sized with yellow tips, and the largest is broad, fan-shaped, and marked with a yellow triangle. The leaves are compound, with six to eight broad, pale green leaflets. The tree produces scimitar-shaped pods up to 20 cm long.
Where does Amherstia come from?
This tree is believed to be native to Myanmar and possibly neighbouring Thailand. It is named in honour of Lady Amherst and her daughter Sarah. Amherstia nobilis is the only species in its genus. The tree is now extinct in the wild, with the last known wild specimen recorded in 1865. Its common name, Pride of Burma, reflects its origin and rarity.
When and how Amherstia blooms
Amherstia nobilis thrives in humid tropical climates and is grown mainly for its ornamental value. It is propagated and cultivated in gardens and parks, especially in regions with warm, moist conditions. The tree flowers on long, hanging stalks, displaying its bright crimson and yellow blooms. The fruit is a woody pod that splits open to release seeds.
How Amherstia is used
People grow Amherstia nobilis mainly as an ornamental tree in tropical gardens and parks. Its large, colourful flowers make it a favourite for decorative planting. The tree is also valued as a symbol of its native region, and its striking appearance has earned it the name Pride of Burma.
Kinds of Amherstia
Amherstia nobilis is the sole species in its genus, so there are no other species or varieties within Amherstia. The name 'orchid tree' is also used for unrelated trees in the Bauhinia genus.
What Amherstia means
The tree is closely linked to Myanmar, where it is sometimes seen as a symbol of national pride. Its scientific name commemorates Lady Amherst and her daughter. Although now extinct in the wild, it remains popular in cultivation for its beauty and rarity.
Where to see Amherstia
Questions people ask about Amherstia
Where does Amherstia nobilis come from?
Amherstia nobilis is native to Myanmar and possibly adjoining parts of Thailand. It is now extinct in the wild and survives only in cultivation.
What does the flower of Amherstia nobilis look like?
Its flowers are large and crimson, hanging from long stalks. Each has five petals, with the largest being broad and fan-shaped, marked by a yellow triangle, and two medium petals tipped with yellow.
Why is it called the Pride of Burma?
The tree is called the Pride of Burma because it is native to Myanmar (formerly Burma) and is admired for its spectacular flowers.
Is Amherstia nobilis found in the wild today?
No, Amherstia nobilis is extinct in the wild. The last known wild specimen was recorded in 1865, though it is widely cultivated in gardens.
What is Amherstia nobilis used for?
It is mainly grown as an ornamental tree in tropical gardens and parks, valued for its large, colourful flowers.
Good reading and sources
- IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesIUCN Red List, Article
- Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
- Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
- Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Amherstia", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. It is not medical or foraging advice: many flowers are poisonous, and traditional uses are reported, not recommended. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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