Poinciana regia Boj. ex Hook.
Frost tender, erect, widely-branching evergreen tree with 2-pinnate leaves, to 60cm long, with numerous leaflets, and loose terminal or axillary racemes of bright scarlet flowers in summer, followed by pods up to 10cm long. To 12m. [RHSD, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
Introduced to Britain in 1828. [PD]. ‘Sometimes, though rarely, we have introduced in the present work plants of great beauty and rarity, which we have no hope of ever cultivating successfully. Such is not the case with the present individual, which is, however, no less remarkable for its extreme beauty than for its rarity, having been found only in Madagascar, near Foule Point, (where it is known by the name of Tanahou) by Professor Bojer. To that gentleman I am indebted for a magnificent drawing, of which a portion only is engraved for the present work: and this is so satisfactory in all its parts, that I have no hesitation in immediately laying it before the public. Were not the subject of such great interest, I might have been induced to wait for its blossoming in this country: for plants have been raised by Mr. Barclay at Bury Hill, from seeds sent by Mr. Telfair, and there is every reason to think they will be brought to great perfection in that well-managed establishment.’ [BM t.2884/1829].
History at Camden Park
Probably short lived in the gardens as it is only listed in the 1850 catalogue.
Notes
Published Dec 24, 2009 - 04:46 PM | Last updated Jul 21, 2010 - 12:40 PM
Poinciana regia Boj. ex Hook. | BM t.2884/1829 | BHL
| Family | Fabaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Madagascar |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Flamboyant tree, Peacock flower, Royal Poinciana |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Poinciana regia |
| Confidence level | high |