African Tulip Tree bloom

Native to tropical Africa, the African tulip tree is a member of the bignonia or trumpet vine plant family (Bignoniaceae). It is both horticulturally and botanically distinct, being the only species in its genus. In its native habitat (centering around Lake Victoria) and as a cultivated ornamental in tropical climates, it is a large evergreen tree to fifty feet tall, or more, with flowers throughout the year. When grown in cooler climates such as Southern California, however, it is usually smaller (to around twenty-five to thirty-five feet tall and fifteen to twenty-five feet wide), and may act as a deciduous tree, losing its leaves during winter and early spring.
The tropical-looking foliage of the African tulip tree is composed of eighteen-inch-long, pinnately compound leaves with seven to nineteen oval leaflets, each four to six inches long. New leaves emerge a bronzy color, becoming dark green above and paler beneath. Flowering is both conspicuous and dramatic, with football-sized flower clusters produced at the ends of every branch during warm weather. These unusual flower clusters are composed of many velvety brown claw-like buds that split open vertically as the five-inch-long, broadly trumpet-shaped flowers emerge in succession. Fully expanded, the mature flowers are elaborately scalloped and picoteed, and the flower color is typically an intense red orange (there is also a golden yellow-flowered selection that is popular in cultivation).
As many children raised in the tropics know, the blossoms of the African tulip tree are not only pretty but entertaining. Every flower bud is pressurized with a watery nectar as it expands; if you squeeze the buds just right, they make an effective water pistol that can be accurate up to ten feet away. As a bonus, the frilly flowers, when fully open, make colorful hanky-like pocket ornaments (which can be a nice conversation piece at a summer or fall horticultural society gathering).
- See more at: http://www.pacifichorticulture.org/articles/african-tulip-tree-2/#sthas…