Common Name:

General Information

Delonix floribunda is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 15 metres tall.
The tree is sometimes harbested from the wild for local use of its wood and resin. It is grown in villages as a living fence.
Delonix floribunda is found in habitats subject to widespread exploitation for firewood and charcoal production. Selective logging, increased cultivation and grazing of livestock are also leading to further degradation of the habitat. The rate of degradation has been exacerbated in recent years and the naturally slow rate of growth and regeneration of plants growing in the spiny forest is putting the species endemic to the area at particular risk However, this species is found in several areas within its range and is currently classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Africa - western and southern Madagascar

Habitat

Subarid shrubland, woodland and forest; at elevations up to 500 metres[]. Dry forest. spiny forest and coastal bushland on limestone or sandy soils; at elevationsup to 250 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	12.00 m
Pollinators	Sunbirds
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally prefer a moist but well-drained soil in a sunny position[].
Easily propagated from seed, the tree is widely grown as an ornamental[].
The plant is thought to be pollinated by sunbirds due to its flowers with highly reduced petals and copious amount of nectar[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is sometimes planted in villages and as "living fences"[].

Other Uses

A resin obtained from the tree is used as glue[].

The trunks are hollowed out to make canoes[].

Propagation

Seed - it has a hard seedcoat and may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up and improve germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing.
Cuttings
Air layering.

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