Home > Facts > Plants Facts > Africa tulip tree Facts

Africa tulip tree Facts

Africa tulip tree Facts
African tulip tree, also known as "flame-of-the-forest", is an evergreen tree that belongs to the bignonia family. It originates from tropical parts of West Africa, but it can be found all over the world today. African tulip tree grows on the clayey, sandy or loamy, well-drained soil, exposed to direct sunlight. It can be found along the creeks, on the edges of the forests, near the roads and agricultural lands. African tulip tree is classified as weed in some parts of the world due to ability to quickly colonize new areas and prevent growth of native plant species. African tulip tree is cultivated in ornamental purposes and as a source of food and wood.
Interesting Africa tulip tree Facts:
African tulip tree can reach 50 to 60 feet in height and 40 feet in width. It has wide, roundish crown.
African tulip tree has pinnate leaves composed of 7 to 17 elliptical leaflets. Bottom side of leaves is covered with hairs. Leaves are green colored and oppositely arranged on the branches.
African tulip tree produces showy orange-red flowers arranged in the bell-shaped clusters at the end of the branches. Individual flowers are tulip-shaped. Only few flowers are open at the same time. African tulip tree produces flowers with both types of reproductive organs (perfect flowers).
African tulip tree blooms all year round in (blooming reaches the peak during the spring). Flowers last only three days. They are rich source of nectar which attracts hummingbirds, responsible for the pollination of this plant.
Fruit of African tulip tree are green pods filled with around 500 seed. Ripe pods are brown colored. Fruit splits lengthwise to release seed.
Seed are equipped with transparent wings which facilitate dispersal by wind. Water also plays role in spreading of seed.
African tulip tree propagates via seed, cuttings and root suckers.
Seed of African tulip tree is part of human diet in Africa.
Open pods of African tulip trees are woody and boat-shaped. They are used as children toys in some areas due to specific shape and ability to float.
African tulip tree is also known as "fountain tree" due to large quantities of water accumulated inside the flower buds (children use them as "water pistols").
African tulip tree has shallow root system and weak branches. Strong winds can produce significant damage on this tree.
African tulip tree has soft wood, suitable for nesting of many hole-building birds.
Light brown wood of African tulip tree is used for the manufacture of paper, drums and for carving.
Bark of African tulip tree is used in treatment of rashes on the skin of newly born babies, as laxative and antiseptic (to prevent growth and development of microorganisms).
African tulip tree is perennial plant that can survive 50 to 150 years in the wild.


Related Links:
Facts
Plants Facts
Animals Facts