Krishnachura or Royal poinciana, Delonixa regia

Krishnachura or Royal poinciana (Delonix regia, family: Fabaceae) is a large deciduous ornamental tree with spreading crownn. It is one of the most spectacular flowering trees in the tropicular world. When the blooming begins, a miraculous beauty is reflected throughout the tree. 

Other names:  Peacock flower tree, Flamboyant, Flame of the forest, Flame tree.

It is planted in gardens and parks and beside the roads and highways. In fact, it is planted everywhere in Bangladesh. Its original home is Madagascar. The tree is brought to the country from Mauritius in 1812, perhaps through Christian missionary. In India, it is called 'Gulmohar' (Golden seal).

Leaves are beautiful. Those are bipinnate, large, about 1 m long, pinnae 11-18 pairs, leaflets up to 20, tiny, 1 cm long.

Flower arise in broad erect clusters at the end of the leafless branches. Sepals 5, petals 5, orange-red in color, except the other one which bears yellow or white stripes. It blooms in the summer (April), sometimes flowering continuous up to July. A yellow variety (Delonix regia var. flavida) of this is also seen in Bangladesh.  

Fruit is legume, very long 30-60 cm and 4-5 cm wide. It is flat, sometimes curved and twisted. Propagationis caused by seeds and cuttings. 

The beautiful tree drops all the leaves in the winter and becomes absolutely bald. And this time the dried fruits can be seen hanging the tree.

Different parts of the plant is used in piles, tumour, vomiting, fever, urinary problem and irregular menstruation. Its flower, leaf and bark are purgative and stimulant.

The poets and writers of Bangladesh are fascinated by the beauty of its flowers. However, many of them mistakenly think that its flowers bloom in the spring.