The African tulip tree, (Spathodea Campanulata) known in Guyana as the Puri tree, is planted extensively as an ornamental tree throughout the tropics and is much appreciated for its very showy reddish orange flowers.
African Tulip is also commonly known as the Fountain Tree, Flame of the Forest, Rudra Palash, Pichkari or Nandi Flame and is native to tropical dry forests of Africa.This tree is not seen locally in many yards but there are two of them at the south-eastern entrance to the National Park.
Local horticulturalists say that the African Tulip is excellent for shade or shelter.
It is a large upright tree with glossy deep green pinnate leaves and glorious orange scarlet flowers.
The open flowers are cup-shaped and hold rain and dew, making them attractive to many species of birds particularly humming birds.
The tree has a stout, tapering, somewhat buttressed trunk covered in warty light gray bark and may grow up to 80 feet (24.4 m) on an ideal site, but most specimens are much smaller.
It can be grown as a large ephemeral shrub and planted in a sheltered place where it can be reached by ladders for regular pruning and removal of dead branches
The African Tulip has also been used for coffee shade, and reclamation and rehabilitation of disturbed lands through its quick invasion and rapid growth.
The species relishes rich soil, but puts up with just about anything with a little fertility to it, including limestone.
The African tulip tree will survive in shade, but demands full sun for fast growth and best flowering. These trees grow best with plenty of moisture, but will shed their leaves and endure drought.
It is recommended as a shade tree for parks and yards, as is evident by the presence of those at the entrance of the National Park and is also popular as a decorative tree for avenues.
The wood of the tree is soft and is used for nesting by many hole-building birds.
African Tulip plants are available at local horticultural shops.
By Clifford Stanley