Common Name: Flame tree. Tamil Name: Kakkapoo maram
Flame tree is a resident of Madagascar, naturalized in many countries- including India. The tree is well known for its crimson-red flowers and is a preferred avenue tree in India. The tree can grow to more than 20 meters in height. The leaves are arranged in an alternate manner; the leaf structure is bi-pinnate, 12-15 pinnae pairs can be seen. The leaflets are arranged in an opposite manner and measure around 1 cm in length. The leaflets are oblong in shape and have rounded bottom and apex. The inflorescence is the in the form of an axillary corymb. The flower stalk measurers around 7 cm in length. The calyx cup measurers around 7 mm; the five calyx teeth measure around 2.8 cm and is oblong in shape; the upper portion is red in color and the lower portion yellow. The five flower petals are not co-joined. The petals are orange-crimson in color and measure around 5-5.5 cm in length. The flower has 10 stamens and a single style. The fruit is in the form of pod. Mature pods are brown in color and contain up to 40 seeds. The seeds are brown in color, oblong in shape and measure around 1 cm. Flame tree is the larval host plant for Indian Nawan, Three-spot grass yellow and Common Grass yellow butterflies (source: www.ifoundbutterflies.org)
