Delonix Elata

Description

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A lesser-known relative of the Royal Poinciana is also known as Delonix elata (White Poinciana)

It is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that grows about 8 to 45 feet tall. It has a rounded, wide crown and droopy branches. Additionally, the trunk is usually crooked, with poor form, and has ash-colored bark. While the green delicate, fern-like leaves are bipinnate, and about 2 to 8 inches long. And, leaves have 4 to 8 pairs of primary leaflets, 1.5 to 2.5 inches long. The linear-oblong secondary leaflets are each about .5 inches long. The tree is briefly deciduous.

Moreover, the flowers are borne in clusters at the branch ends. Each flower has a hairy stalk just over an inch long. The petals are white to pale yellow. In contrast, the stamen is dark-colored and extends several inches beyond the petals. Furthermore, fruits are broad, smooth red-brown pods, narrow at both ends, 5 to 9 inches long, with 4 to 8 seeds which are used for propagation. Also, bees are attracted as pollinators.

Furthermore, Delonix elata (White Poinciana) is a multipurpose tree in its native areas. The leaves and seeds are edible. The wood is used to make utensils, for carving and fuelwood. Additionally, the roots, bark, gum, and leaves provide traditional medicines. Also, the pods to feed livestock. The tree prefers well-drained soils, and tolerates rocky terrain. White poinciana’s delicate leaves and perpetual showy flowers, make it a fine specimen tree, accent tree, or shade tree in gardens and parks. It can also be used street sides and in a xerophytic garden tree. Planted in a row, white poinciana can serve as a living fence, boundary or barrier.