African Tuliptree Seeds (Spathodea campanulata) – Flame of the Forest, Fast-Growing Tropical Ornamental, Bell-Shaped Orange-Red Flower Clusters, Striking Shade Tree for Warm Climates

Minimum: 10+ Seeds

African Tuliptree — The Flame of the Forest That Sets Landscapes Ablaze

African Tuliptree does not whisper. During late winter through spring, and often year-round in ideal conditions, the canopy erupts in massive clusters of reddish-orange, bell-shaped flowers emerging from fuzzy brown buds filled with water. The tree grows 50-60 feet tall with proportional crown, clothed in attractive pinnately compound evergreen leaves. It is fast-growing, tropical, and genuinely one of the most dramatic flowering trees for warm climates. A single specimen in peak bloom commands the entire landscape. This is a tree for those with space, warm winters, and desire for spectacle.

Who Grows African Tuliptree?

Gardeners in frost-free tropical and subtropical regions. Landscape designers seeking dramatic specimens for large properties. Anyone with space and climate to support a 50-60 foot canopy. Tropical plant enthusiasts. Property owners willing to work around soft, brittle wood. And anyone understanding that some plants demand room to become themselves.

What This African Native Actually Is

Spathodea campanulata, known as African Tuliptree, Flame of the Forest, Fireball. A large, fast-growing tree native to Sub-Saharan African forests. Grows 50-80 feet tall with dense 50-foot crown and slightly buttressed trunk. Pinnately compound evergreen leaves, 1.5 feet long. Produces massive terminal flower clusters of reddish-orange bell-shaped tulip-like flowers, primarily late winter through spring but often blooming year-round. Flower buds ampule-shaped, containing water. Light, winged seeds release from flattened brown erect seedpods. Fast-growing, requiring warm, humid tropical conditions.

In the Landscape

• Specimen Tree: Stands alone as focal point. Requires wind protection.
• Shade Tree: Provides dense canopy shade across large spaces.
• Backdrop: Frames structures with height and dramatic flowering.
• Botanical Collections: Centerpiece in tropical gardens.

Growing African Tuliptree

• Climate: Frost-free tropical/subtropical zones only. Zones 10b-11 minimum.
• Sunlight: Full sun. 6+ hours direct light for maximum flowering.
• Soil: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter.
• Water: Consistently moist. Prefers humid tropical climates.
• Temperature: Warm to hot year-round, 70°F+. No frost tolerance.
• Humidity: High humidity beneficial. Thrives in wet tropical regions.
• Spacing: 30-50 feet from structures. Shallow roots, brittle wood needs wind protection.
• Propagation: From seed in well-draining mix kept moist. Seeds germinate readily.
• Pruning: Remove dead branches. Prune after flowering.
• Establishment: Reaches flowering size within 5-7 years.

Before You Close This Page

African native, frost-free only. 50-60 feet tall with spreading crown. Reddish-orange bell-shaped flowers in clusters. Blooms winter-spring, often year-round. Evergreen pinnate leaves. Fast-growing, dramatic. Brittle wood needs shelter. High water/humidity needs. Perfect for large tropical properties. Seeds germinate readily. The tree that becomes the garden.