🌳 Yellow Flame Tree
Common Name: Yellow Flame Tree
Scientific Name: Peltophorum pterocarpum
Hindi Name: पीला गुलमोहर
🌱 Overview
The Yellow Flame Tree, scientifically known as Peltophorum pterocarpum, is a deciduous tree native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, particularly India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. This tree is famous for its striking yellow flowers, which bloom in large clusters, making it a popular ornamental tree in gardens, parks, and landscapes. It is sometimes also called "Golden Peltophorum" or "Yellow Peltophorum" due to its vivid yellow blooms.
🌳 Appearance
The Yellow Flame Tree typically grows up to 10–15 meters in height, with a broad, spreading crown.
The tree has compound leaves that are feather-like, with dark green leaflets. The leaves provide light shade, especially in the hot tropical climates.
During the blooming season, the tree is adorned with bright yellow flowers that form in large, showy clusters at the ends of the branches. These flowers are trumpet-shaped and last for several weeks, often creating a flame-like appearance.
After flowering, the tree produces flat, papery seed pods that contain multiple seeds.
🍽️ Culinary Uses
The Yellow Flame Tree is not commonly used for culinary purposes, though the tree's flowers are sometimes used in traditional cuisines in certain regions for decoration or infusions.
There are no widespread culinary practices involving the tree’s wood or fruit, but like many other tropical trees, it is sometimes associated with herbal preparations in folklore medicine.
🧪 Medicinal Properties
Peltophorum pterocarpum is not as widely studied as some other tropical plants for medicinal properties, but traditional uses include leaves and bark for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial purposes.
In some areas, the bark and leaves are used to make herbal decoctions or pastes to treat skin irritations, wounds, or fevers.
Some studies suggest that extracts from various parts of the tree may exhibit antioxidant and antibacterial properties, but further research is needed to validate these claims.
🌍 Habitat
The Yellow Flame Tree is typically found in tropical and subtropical climates, especially in regions with distinct wet and dry seasons.
It thrives in well-drained, loamy soils and is highly adaptable to both urban and rural environments.
The tree can be found growing along roadsides, in parks, and as a shade tree in tropical cities. It is also used in landscape reclamation projects due to its fast growth and aesthetic value.
🌿 Ecological Role
The Yellow Flame Tree provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including birds, bees, and butterflies, particularly during its flowering season.
Its large canopy offers shade and protection to smaller plants growing beneath it. In addition, its flowers attract pollinators, contributing to the local biodiversity.
The seed pods of the tree are dispersed by the wind, helping the tree to spread in suitable habitats.
🌸 Fun Facts
The Yellow Flame Tree is often used in city landscaping due to its vibrant appearance and ability to withstand urban pollution.
It is a member of the Fabaceae family, which also includes other flowering trees like Gulmohar (Delonix regia) and Cassia species.
During its flowering season, the Yellow Flame Tree is one of the most visually striking trees, with its golden-yellow flowers resembling flames.
The tree’s ability to grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy and clay-rich soils, makes it a great option for landscaping in diverse environments.