Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, Andrew K. Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, and Drew C. McLean
Introduction
A native of tropical Africa, this large, upright, 50 to 60-foot tree has a dense, 50-foot-wide crown and one-and-one-half-foot-long, pinnately-compound, evergreen leaves composed of four-inch leaflets. Due to its size it is best located in large, open landscapes and is generally not suited for small residences unless your objective is deep shade. During winter and until late spring, African tuliptree produces terminal clusters of beautiful blooms held above the foliage, a profusion of upwardly-facing, orange and yellow flowers which open several at a time from curved, two-inch-long, fuzzy brown flower buds filled with water. African tuliptree is quite spectacular when in bloom. It is often used as a framing, shade, or specimen tree but must be used only in frost-free areas. Also, its soft, brittle wood is easily broken by high winds, and trees should be located either in sheltered locations or where falling branches will do no damage.
Figure 1. Full Form—Spathodea campanulata: African tuliptree
Invasive potential: caution, may be recommended but manage to prevent escape (south); not considered a problem species at this time, may be recommended (north and central)
Uses: specimen; shade
Figure 2. Range
Description
Height: 50 to 60 feet
Spread: 35 to 50 feet
Crown uniformity: irregular
Crown shape: upright/erect, round, spreading
Crown density: moderate
Growth rate: fast
Texture: coarse
Foliage
Leaf arrangement: opposite/subopposite
Leaf type: odd-pinnately compound; made up of 6–8 pairs leaflets and one terminal leaflet
Leaf margin: entire
Leaf shape: elliptic (oval), oblong
Leaf venation: pinnate
Leaf type and persistence: evergreen, broadleaf evergreen
Leaf blade length: 1½ feet; leaflets are 4 inches
Leaf color: dark green and glossy on top, paler green underneath
Pest resistance: free of serious pests and diseases
Use and Management
Eliminate major branches that will form embedded bark as early as possible. Save those that are oriented more horizontally, with stronger attachments to the trunk. Keep them from growing larger than about half the trunk diameter by periodic thinning.
African tuliptrees will grow rapidly in full sun on any soil of reasonable drainage and fertility. Plants should be regularly watered until well-established and will then require little care.
Propagation is by seed, softwood cuttings, or root suckers.
Pests and Diseases
No pests or diseases of major concern.
Reference
Koeser, A.K., Friedman, M.H., Hasing, G., Finley, H., Schelb, J. 2017. Trees: South Florida and the Keys. Gainesville: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.