Delonix regia

Usually around 9 m high but can be up to 18m, Delonix regia is often wider than high, with twisty branches. The flowers are 8cm large, with four spreading orange-red petals up to 8 cm (3 in) long, and a fifth upright petal  spotted with yellow and white. They appear at the ends of branches. The fruit pods turn dark-brown and woody as they mature, and can be up to 60 cm long, make this species unmistakable for most of the year. The leaves have a feathery appearance, are hairy and  light bright green, long of more than 30cm. 

In the wild it is endangered, but it is widely cultivated elsewhere and became naturalised in many of the locations where it is grown. Its fast growth and amazing blooming makes it highly prized in tropical parks, streets, and gardens. In garden it is mostly grown as an isolate tree because of its width. 

Generally grown as an ornamental in parks and gardens, as an avenue tree, and also in residential, schools and tea plantation for shade and shelter. It can also be planted on eroded sites for erosion control, and for soil rehabilitation and improvement through atmospheric nitrogen fixation.  His soft wood once polished can make toys and cutlery, and branches can be used as fuelwood. The seeds can be made into necklaces; and they contain a gum which can be used in the textile and food industries. Immature pods are edible and have good potential as a dietary protein source for humans and livestock. The leaves (with 39.5% protein) provide nutritious food for livestock. The extract of leaves can be used as natural herbicides and pesticides to disrupt insect growth and development  and increase the productivity of agricultural crops.

It requires a tropical or near-tropical climate, but can tolerate drought and salty conditions. It thrives in open, free-draining sandy soil enriched with organic matter, but can tolerate any kind of soil as long as it has a good drainage. It produces flowers more profusely when kept slightly dry. 

With a superficial root system, it is sensitive to storms, and should therefore be planted in an area protected from the wind. After planting, water the tree regularly during the hot season, until the roots become established. It can be also to give the tree a balanced liquid fertilizer one month after planting and then 2-3 times per year for the first three years. It's important to prune the tree, right before spring growth starts, to create a strong structure, as the branches are susceptible to breakage in high winds.