African tulip tree - Spathodea nilotica

Description and Uses

Spathodea nilotica (African tulip tree) is a tropical tree from East Africa. It is mainly grown for its ornamental crops (medium shelflife), The crop is harvested by total removing. It starts flowering after 3 - 4 years. Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is fast, its energetic value is 4000 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is ; for firewood production it is not ideal. After 70 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Spathodea nilotica has a lifespan of 120 years.

---

Environmental limitations

The tree is 30 meters tall. It is fast growing and tolerates not less light than partial shade. Spathodea nilotica has a shallow root-system and forms symbiotic relations (endo-mycorrhiza). It is not able to fix nitrogen. The tree`s flower-morphology is hermaphroditic and is pollinated by itself.

Spathodea nilotica thrives in an altitude of 0 to 2200 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 6°C and optimally between 25 - 32°C. The optimal rainfall is 2050 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 750 - 2600 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 8.0 in a soil texture of sand. To salt it is a bit tolerant to wind and to fire tolerant.

---

Pests and Diseases

and diseases.

---

Seed Propagation

Seeds are recalcitrant and can be stored for 1 months. There are approximative 5000 seeds/kg. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

---