Zone 10 · 12 cm Scarlet Flowers · Fountain Tree · 20 Winged Seeds

How to Grow African Tulip Tree from Seed
Spathodea campanulata — Flame of the Forest · Nandi Flame · Fountain Tree

One of the most spectacular flowering trees of the tropics — clusters of 12 cm scarlet-orange tulip-shaped blooms at branch tips, almost year-round. The flower buds hold water inside and squirt when pressed — earned it the name 'Fountain Tree'. Grows in any soil, including the poorest. National tree of Ghana.

12 cmFlower size · scarlet-orange
20 mHeight at maturity
Zone 10+4°C · frost tender
Any soilIncl. poorest substrates
Spathodea campanulata scarlet orange tulip flowers cluster tropical tree
SALE
−40%
SKU: L128 · Oreshka Seeds
African Tulip Tree — Spathodea campanulata
20 PCS winged seeds · Evergreen tropical tree · Bignoniaceae
€5.00 €8.33

20 seeds per pack · Ships worldwide in 2–3 days

Detailed Buy

The tree

What is the African Tulip Tree — and Why Do its Buds Hold Water?

Spathodea campanulata is an evergreen tree native to tropical Africa, reaching 20 m with grey-brown bark marked by light grey spots. The leaves are shiny, dark green, pinnate (compound), up to 50 cm long. The flowers are the defining feature: large (12 cm), bright scarlet to red-orange, tulip-shaped, gathered in dense terminal brushes at the branch tips. In tropical conditions the tree flowers almost continuously — a tree in full bloom is visible from hundreds of metres away, which explains 'Flame of the Forest' as a common name. The fruit is a dry oblong capsule up to 20 cm long containing numerous thin-winged seeds that are released and carried by the wind.

Spathodea campanulata is the national tree of Ghana and is widely planted as a street, park, and garden tree throughout tropical Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Central America. It tolerates remarkably poor soils — a significant advantage in degraded tropical landscapes where few trees establish well. In temperate climates it is grown as a container specimen, moved outdoors in summer and overwintered frost-free indoors.

The water-squirting buds — a botanical curiosity: The flower buds of Spathodea campanulata are watertight, accumulating rainwater and dew inside before they open. When a bud is squeezed, it ejects a jet of water — giving rise to the 'Fountain Tree' name. This phenomenon is well-documented in ethnobotanical literature and has made the buds beloved toys for children throughout West Africa. The evolutionary purpose is debated — possible functions include maintaining bud hydration in seasonal dry conditions, deterring certain insects, and creating a watery environment attractive to nectar-feeding sunbirds. The buds are a distinctive and memorable feature unique to this species among all tropical flowering trees.
Oreshka Seeds — Expert Note

Do NOT soak seeds — winged samaras must be sown dry on the surface. 20 seeds per pack. Sow fresh at 24–28°C on the surface — light required for germination. About our collection →

Quick facts

Spathodea campanulata at a Glance

OriginTropical Africa · national tree of Ghana
USDA ZoneZone 10 · min +4°C · frost tender
Flowers12 cm · scarlet-orange · year-round
Height20 m · evergreen · fast growing
LightFull sun · tropical warmth
SoilAny — incl. poorest soils

Growing guide

How to Grow African Tulip Tree from Seed — Step by Step

  1. 01
    Do NOT Soak — Sow Dry on the Surface
    Spathodea seeds are thin-winged samaras — never soak in water before sowing, as soaking damages the delicate seed membrane and reduces germination. Press seeds lightly onto the surface of warm, moist, well-draining compost. Do not bury. A 1–2 mm layer of fine vermiculite prevents surface drying while allowing light through. Sow all 20 seeds — germination rate varies and sowing the full packet maximises the number of viable seedlings.
  2. 02
    Light + Humidity — Propagator at 24–28°C
    Spathodea requires light for germination — sowing on the surface satisfies this. Cover pot with a clear plastic bag or propagator lid to maintain humidity. Keep at 24–28°C — a propagator mat is strongly recommended. Mist the surface gently if it shows signs of drying — never pour water directly onto seeds. Germination occurs in 14–30 days in optimal conditions; temperatures below 22°C slow the process significantly.
  3. 03
    Seedlings — Tropical Warmth and Full Light
    Seedlings emerge with broad seed leaves followed rapidly by the characteristic dark green pinnate compound leaves. Maintain warmth (minimum 18°C) and maximum light. Move to a sunny windowsill or under grow lights once established. Pot on individually into 9 cm pots of well-draining compost when seedlings reach 5–7 cm. Spathodea seedlings grow fast in warm conditions — 30–60 cm possible in the first year under ideal conditions.
  4. 04
    Outdoors in Summer — Sheltered, Full Sun
    Move containers outdoors when night temperatures consistently exceed 15°C (typically late May–early June in northern Europe). Full sun, sheltered from strong winds. Water freely during the growing season; feed monthly with balanced fertiliser. Pot on into progressively larger containers as roots fill the current pot — root restriction is the primary limiting factor on growth rate in container culture.
  5. 05
    Overwinter Frost-Free — Min 10–12°C
    Bring indoors before the first autumn frost (late September in temperate climates). Overwinter in a heated conservatory, winter garden, bright living room, or heated greenhouse — minimum 10–12°C. Reduce watering significantly in winter; the plant is not actively growing. Resume regular watering and feeding in March–April as light levels and temperatures increase. Spathodea is semi-dormant at low temperatures but should retain its leaves in a frost-free environment.
  6. 06
    Flowering — Patience Rewarded with Spectacular Blooms
    In tropical conditions, first flowering begins at 3–5 years. In container cultivation in temperate climates, flowering requires sufficient root and stem development plus a warm, bright growing season — expect 5–8+ years. The wait is worthwhile: when Spathodea flowers, the dense terminal clusters of 12 cm scarlet-orange tulip blooms are among the most spectacular of any container tree. The flower buds also hold water — press a ripe bud gently and it will eject a jet of water.
Pro Tip — From the Oreshka Collection

The single most common failure with Spathodea seeds is soaking them before sowing. Unlike most tree seeds where pre-soaking accelerates germination, Spathodea's thin papery wing membrane is damaged by extended water contact. The correct method — pressing dry seeds onto moist compost surface in a warm propagator — achieves reliable germination in 14–21 days. If germination is slow after 3 weeks, check that the temperature is genuinely reaching 24°C at pot level (not just ambient air temperature) and that the surface compost is staying moist but not wet. Most failures trace back to temperature being insufficient rather than any issue with the seeds themselves.

Compare

Spathodea vs. Delonix regia vs. Jacaranda mimosifolia

Feature Spathodea campanulata
African Tulip Tree · L128		 Delonix regia
Flamboyant / Royal Poinciana		 Jacaranda mimosifolia
Jacaranda
Flower colourScarlet-orange · 12 cm tulipsBrilliant red-orange · flatViolet-blue · tubular
Flowering seasonNearly year-round in tropicsLate spring–summerSpring (before leaves)
HardinessZone 10 · min +4°CZone 10 · min +4°CZone 9 · min −7°C
Container growingYes — manageable indoorsDifficult — very largeYes — popular pot plant
Soil toleranceAny soil incl. very poorWell-drained requiredWell-drained required
Unique featureWater-squirting budsLargest flower in tropicsBlue cloud spring display

Avoid these

Common Mistakes When Growing Spathodea from Seed

Soaking the seeds before sowing

Never soak Spathodea winged seeds in water — the thin papery membrane is damaged by extended water contact. Sow dry, pressed onto the surface of moist compost. This is the most common cause of germination failure with this species.

Burying seeds instead of surface sowing

Spathodea seeds require light for germination. Burying them — even 3–5 mm — significantly reduces germination rate. Surface sowing with a maximum 1–2 mm vermiculite cover is the correct method.

Insufficient warmth — below 22°C

Germination slows dramatically below 22°C and fails below 18°C. A propagator mat maintaining 24–28°C at pot level is the most reliable solution. Ambient room temperature in a heated home in spring is often insufficient — measure the actual temperature at pot level.

Frost exposure — even light frost is fatal

Spathodea campanulata is killed by frost. Bring containers indoors before the first autumn frost — do not wait for the plant to show cold damage. A single frost night destroys the tree. Overwinter at a minimum 10–12°C with good light.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the African Tulip Tree — why called Fountain Tree?
Spathodea campanulata produces large (12 cm) scarlet-orange tulip-shaped flowers in dense terminal clusters. The 'Fountain Tree' name comes from the water-accumulating flower buds — when pressed, they squirt a jet of water. Also called Flame of the Forest and Nandi Flame (Kenya). National tree of Ghana. Widely planted as a street and park tree throughout tropical Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Can African Tulip Tree be grown in Europe or the UK?
Yes — as a container plant. Frost-tender (Zone 10, minimum −1°C). In northern Europe and the UK: outdoors June–September in a warm, sheltered position; overwinter in a heated conservatory or bright indoor space at minimum 10–12°C. In Mediterranean climates (Spain, southern France, Italy), outdoor cultivation is possible year-round in sheltered coastal positions.
How fast does Spathodea grow?
In tropical conditions in the ground: 1–2 m per year, reaching 20 m at maturity. In container cultivation in temperate climates: 20–40 cm per year typical. First flowering in tropical conditions: 3–5 years. In container cultivation in cool climates: 5–8+ years. Fast enough to develop into an impressive container specimen within a decade.
Why do Spathodea buds hold water?
Spathodea flower buds are watertight and accumulate rainwater and dew inside before opening. When squeezed, they squirt water — making them natural toys for children throughout West Africa. The evolutionary purpose is debated: possible functions include bud hydration, insect deterrence, and attraction of nectar-feeding sunbirds. A unique and memorable feature of this species.
Is the African Tulip Tree invasive?
Yes in warm climates — listed as invasive in Hawaii, Florida, Queensland, and parts of the Pacific. In Europe and temperate climates, frost prevents naturalisation entirely. Container growing in temperate gardens poses no invasive risk. In Mediterranean or warmer gardens, manage seed production responsibly.
What soil does Spathodea need?
Genuinely undemanding — tolerates almost any soil including very poor and degraded soils. For containers: standard well-draining compost with 20% perlite. Prefers consistent moisture but tolerates drought once established. Does not tolerate waterlogging. Water freely in summer, reduce significantly in winter.

Flame of the Forest — Scarlet Tulip Blooms, Water-Squirting Buds, Any Soil

20 winged seeds · Zone 10 · Container suitable · Nearly year-round flowering in tropics · Ships worldwide

Buy Seeds — €5.00 → Sale −40% · SKU L128 · 20 PCS · Spathodea campanulata · Oreshka Seeds