Llamarada del Bosque (Forest's Flame Tree)

Llamarada del Bosque (Forest's Flame Tree), originally uploaded by PAL1970.

It is a tropical ever-green tree that reaches about 80 feet of height. Its most striking characteristic is its inflorescence, which presents as bunches of big orange flowers heavily contrasting with the tree's dark rich green foliage. It is often called king of the forest si it always stands out in evergreen areas, giving the impression of a flame rising to the sky. Its main inflorescence usually happens towards the end of the rainy season.

Once its fruits burst, freeing all its seeds, the husks fall to the soil. These husks are shaped like little boats or canoes, whith which nearly evey kid has played. Flame of the Forest Tree is usually planted in basin restoration projects.