Poinciana

Called the flame tree or flamboyant, royal poinciana ranks among the most spectacular flowering trees in the world. Each summer its wide, umbrella-shaped crown is covered in fiery scarlet and orange blooms set against feathery, fernlike leaves. Where frost never visits it spreads into a shade tree of remarkable width, and cooler-climate gardeners keep it potted or shape it into bonsai. It loves heat and full sun and must be protected from frost. The long woody pods hold hard-coated seeds that sprout quickly once each one is nicked or soaked in warm water.