Family: Caesalpiniaceae

These eight species of tall, evergreen, tropical trees are grown in tropical and subtropical regions for shade and for their flowers. Terminal sprays of yellow to golden, fragrant flowers with roundish petals appear in summer, followed by long, brown seed pods. The alternate, tern-like leaves are a deep glossy green. The trees grow quickly but may take five years to flower.

Species

P. dasyrachis is grown for shade in coffee and cacao plantations of its native Thailand, Malaysia and Sumatra.

P. dubium, from Brazil, is a large, handsome tree, to 15 m (50 ft), with rust-coloured, hairy branches and simple or branched sprays of rust flowers.

P. pterocarpum, yellow flame or yellow flamboyant, native to India, Malaysia and Australia, is cultivated in many tropical countries. It grows to about 15 m (50 ft), and has very hairy, rusty branches, fern-like foliage and attractive, rust-red, flattened seed pods. The fragrant flowers, with crinkly, red-striped, yellow petals are borne in clusters, in early summer. The powdered bark is used medicinally, for tanning and as a yellow-brown dye in batik making.

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, grow in an intermediate greenhouse or conservatory, in a large pot or tub of gritty, soil-based potting compost. Provide maximum light but shade from strong sun. Prune to restrict size. Propagate from seed in spring after soaking in hot water. Germinate at 21°C (70°F).

Climate

Warmest parts of zone 10 to tropical.