Sunshine Coast Hinterland Times

Peltophorum pterocarpum
(Yellow flame)

From a small genus of about 15 species the Peltophorum is indigenous to a wide area of tropical Asia from Srilanka through Malaysia, Philipines to northern Australia. The tree has a dense crown of ferny foliage atop a massive grey trunk. It grows to a height of over 15m in an ideal environment. In cultivation 8-10m on average. Bipinnate leaves grow to 60cm long with dark green 12mm leaflets. Shedding of leaflets may occur in severe drought or cold. In late spring to autumn 60-75cm tall flower panicles which are orange-yellow with bronge coloured buds cover the crown of the tree.

In a similar class to Delonix regia (royal poinciana) Peltophorum is a beautiful shade tree, street tree or specimen tree. The luminous yellow petals contrasting against the orange tipped stamens ligt up in the sun making a dazzling display that is truly spectacular. Suitable for larger gardens in sub tripical and tropical environs. There is a great specimen in flower now in Lowe Street in Nambour.