Spathodea campanulata Beauverd

Flower Bud Morphology

Spathodea campanulata Beauverd has ampule-shaped flower buds that hold water. Because these buds can squirt water, people sometimes play with them.

Sap Characteristics

The plant's sap can leave yellow stains on fingers and clothing.

Open Flower Traits

Open flowers of this species are cup-shaped, and hold rainwater and dew, which makes them attractive to many bird species.

Native Range

This plant is native to Angola, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.

Introduced Range

It has been introduced as an exotic species to Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Fiji, Hawaii, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mauritius, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Puerto Rico, Sri Lanka, Zanzibar, and the Philippines.

Invasive Status

It has become an invasive species in many tropical areas, including Hawaii, Queensland (Australia), Fiji, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, and the wet and intermediate zones of Sri Lanka.

Queensland Regulatory Classification

In Queensland, Australia, Spathodea campanulata is a declared class 3 pest species under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.

Toxicity to Native Bees

It is documented to be toxic to Australian native stingless bees, including Lipotriches (Austronomia) flavoviridis.

Wood Uses

For uses, the wood of this species is too weak for construction, but it works well for making boxes and toothpicks.

Cultural Use by Fijian Children

Fijian children sometimes use the plant's flower buds as water pistols.