Spathodea campanulata

Family: Bignoniaceae.

Common name: African tulip

Spathodea campanulata is a medium-sized, deciduous tree with a round, dense crown of dark foliage. The young bark is pale grey-brown and smooth, but as the tree matures, it becomes grey-black, scaly, and cracked both vertically and horizontally. The tree’s leaves are opposite and imparipinnate, consisting of 5 to 7 pairs of opposite leaflets, with a terminal leaflet. The flowers are large, red, and bisexual, with orange-colored interiors. The fruit is a dark brown, cigar-shaped, woody pod that splits on the ground into two boat-shaped valves, releasing numerous flat, winged seeds.

The seeds of Spathodea campanulata are edible. The light brown, white wood is valued for carving and is used to make drums. The bark has both laxative and antiseptic properties. In traditional medicine, the seeds, flowers, and roots are used for various treatments. The bark is often boiled in water and used for bathing newborns to help heal body rashes. This tree is recommended as a shade tree for parks and yards, commonly used in rehabilitation efforts and as a decorative tree along avenues.