Peltophorum pterocarpum aka Yellow Flame

Peltophorum pterocarpum is a fast-growing tree in the pea family, Fabaceae. Common names include yellow poinciana and copperpod. Its native range spans tropical Asia to northern Australia, including Sri Lanka. It grows in open woods, disturbed ground, and mangrove margins. Garden trees reach 40–50 feet [12.2–15.2 metres] tall. Their crowns spread 30–50 feet [9.1–15.2 metres] wide. Tropical accounts give heights of 49–79 feet [15–24 metres]. Rare trees reach 164 feet [50 metres].

The crown can be round, vase-shaped, or broad like an umbrella. Its shape varies from tree to tree. Sources describe both evergreen and partly evergreen foliage. The leaves are bipinnate, with many pairs of small, oblong leaflets. Each leaf measures 1–2 feet [0.3–0.6 metres] long. Leaflets have dark green tops and paler undersides. They give the crown a fine texture and cast light shade. Smooth brown or gray bark grows rough and cracked with age. The tree has no thorns and often forms several trunks.

Yellow flowers form large panicles at the branch tips. They have a sweet scent that recalls grapes. In Florida, bloom runs from May through September. Brown hairs cover the flower clusters. Flat, winged seed pods follow the flowers. They turn copper-red, then black as they mature. Their dry shells stay firm. The pods add color but do not draw wildlife. Fallen pods and leaves can create litter.

Grow this tree in full sun with soil that drains well. It accepts sand, loam, and clay, plus acid or alkaline soil. It also tolerates brief wet spells and withstands drought well. Salt spray tolerance is low. UF/IFAS lists USDA zones 10A–11. Cold near the upper 20s Fahrenheit can strip its leaves. New leaves then replace them. No major pest or disease problems are reported. Branches can break, so pruning must build a strong frame. Large surface roots can harm paving. Shallow roots also leave it prone to falling in hurricane winds.

Its size suits parks, large lawns, and shade planting. Street trees need a single trunk and regular pruning. Planting sites should leave about 10 feet [3 metres] from paving. People also use it for woodland restoration and hedges. The flowers can serve as cut flowers. Bark supplies dyes for cloth and fishing nets. Traditional medicine uses the bark for several complaints. These uses do not establish safe home treatments. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known food uses or hazards. That does not confirm that every part is safe to eat.