Delonix regia (Hook.) Rafin.

പൂമരം

Family : Leguminosae (Caesalpinioideae)

Synonym : Poinciana regia Hook.

Common Names : Poomaram, Gulmohar, Royal poinciana, Flame tree

Flowering Period : February – July

Distribution : Native of Madagascar; now cultivated throughout the tropics

Habitat : Planted as ornamental tree

Uses : Ornamental. A leaf decoction presumably has anti-rheumatic effects. In eastern Nigeria the leaves are used traditionally for treating pain.

Key Characters :

Gulmohar are trees with leaves bi-pinnate, alternate; rachis, pulvinate; pinnae 8-20 pairs, opposite; leaflet lamina oblong, margin entire. Flowers bisexual, crimson, in terminal or lateral corymbose panicles; calyx tube very short; lobes 5, valvate; petals 5, imbricate; margins fimbriate; upper petal dissimilar and white streaked with red and yellow; stamens 10, free; ovary half inferior, ovules many; style filiform; stigma truncate. Fruit a pod, woody.