Peltophorum Dubium

Description

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Peltophorum Dubium (Yellow Poinciana) is not one of the Delonix species, but it is also a Poinciana. In the same way, it is often confused with Copperpod, Peltophorum Petrocarpum.

However, is a medium-size tree typically reaching about 40 feet in height and as in wide or wider in spread. It draws attention thanks to its high branches, that form an open round to umbrella-canopy; also it has a slender trunk with thick scaly gray bark. Additionally, leaves are semi-deciduous, very lace-like, bright green, alternate, bipinnate; each is about 18 inches long with 12-20 pairs of primary leaflets each with 20-30 pairs of tiny secondary leaflets. Flowers grow in and upright whorl clusters with fragrant yellow blooms about 3/4 inch in diameter, which nearly cover the canopy. While fruits are flat, hard, brown, leathery pods, up to 4 inches long, containing 1-3 seeds, used for propagation; and pods persist on the tree for over a year.

This tree is a pioneer species and is tolerant of various soil types if well drained. Its delicate foliage and showy flowers make Peltophorum Dubium (Yellow Poinciana) a popular garden and park specimen and shade tree, in parking lots and along streets; also for land reclamation.