African tulip tree
Spathodea, family Bignoniaceae
A tropical African tree with large, fiery orange-red flowers
The African tulip tree is a tall, fast-growing tree from Africa’s tropical dry forests, prized for its bright, cup-shaped flowers in shades of orange and red. Planted widely in tropical regions as an ornamental, its blooms attract birds but can be harmful to bees, and the tree is considered invasive in some places.
- Native to tropical Africa, now grown across the tropics
- Large orange-red flowers attract many birds
- Buds can squirt water when squeezed
- Classed as invasive in places like Queensland and Fiji
- Toxic to some native bees
What does African tulip tree look like?
The African tulip tree can reach up to 25 meters tall, with a broad canopy and soft wood. Its flowers are large and shaped like cups, usually a vivid orange-red with yellow edges and throat, though yellow forms are rare. Each flower has about five petals and grows in clusters at the branch tips. The buds are filled with water, and the open blooms can collect rain or dew, making them popular with birds. The leaves are compound and glossy, and the tree produces flat, winged seeds.
Where does African tulip tree come from?
This tree is native to the dry forests of tropical Africa, including countries such as Uganda, Ghana, and Kenya. Its genus name, Spathodea, comes from Greek, referencing the spathe-like shape of its flower base. Over time, it has been introduced to many tropical regions worldwide as a decorative tree. Its striking appearance has led to widespread planting, but in some places, it has escaped gardens and become invasive.
When and how African tulip tree blooms
The African tulip tree blooms in warm, tropical climates, thriving in well-drained soils and full sun. It is usually grown from seeds, which are dispersed by wind thanks to their broad wings. The tree produces clusters of flower buds that fill with water before opening. These buds can be squeezed to squirt water, a feature often enjoyed by children.
How African tulip tree is used
People plant the African tulip tree for its showy flowers in parks and gardens throughout the tropics. Its soft wood is not suitable for building, but is sometimes used for making boxes or toothpicks. In Fiji, children use the water-filled buds as playful water pistols. The tree is also valued for attracting birds, though its flowers can be harmful to bees.
Kinds of African tulip tree
The genus Spathodea contains only this single species, but the flowers can vary in color, with most being orange-red and a few rare yellow forms. The tree is known by many names in different languages and regions, reflecting its wide distribution.
What African tulip tree means
The African tulip tree is a familiar sight in many tropical cities and is sometimes used as a regional emblem, such as in Uganda. Its bright flowers have earned it names like 'Flame-of-the-forest' and 'Nandi Flame.' In some areas, it is considered a pest because it spreads quickly and can crowd out native plants. Its impact on local wildlife is mixed, attracting birds but posing risks to some bee species.
Where African tulip tree is used and seen
Questions people ask about African tulip tree
Where does the African tulip tree come from?
It is native to the tropical dry forests of Africa, especially in countries like Uganda, Ghana, and Kenya. Today, it is also found in many other tropical regions where it has been introduced as an ornamental tree.
What does the African tulip tree look like?
This tree grows up to 25 meters tall and has large, cup-shaped flowers in bright orange-red or sometimes yellow. The flowers grow in clusters at the ends of branches, and the leaves are shiny and divided into leaflets.
What is the African tulip tree used for?
It is mainly planted for its decorative flowers in gardens and parks. Its soft wood is used for small items like boxes and toothpicks, and children sometimes play with the water-filled flower buds.
Is the African tulip tree harmful to the environment?
In several tropical regions, it has become invasive, spreading quickly and sometimes displacing native plants. Its flowers are also toxic to some bee species.
Does the African tulip tree have any cultural significance?
In some regions, it is used as a symbol or emblem, such as in Uganda, and is known by many local names reflecting its popularity and striking appearance.
Good reading and sources
- IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesIUCN Red List, Article
- USDA Plants DatabaseUS Department of Agriculture, 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 "Spathodea", 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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