PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Delonix regia
Flamboyant
(Bojer ex Hook.) Raf., 1837
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Ornamental tree with a wide, umbrella-shaped crown, famous for its spectacular bright red or orange flowering. It has fine, delicate bipinnate leaves and produces long, woody legumes.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Árbol de fuegoPonciana
Royal poincianaFlame of the forestTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Fabales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Fabaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Delonix
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Bojer ex Hook.) Raf., 1837
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Introduced
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
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Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Dry Season
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Native to Madagascar, it has naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It prefers warm climates with a marked dry season and well-drained soils.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is a deciduous tree that loses its leaves during the dry season, which triggers mass flowering. Its flowers attract various pollinators such as butterflies and bees.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
1000.0 - 1500.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Umbrella-shaped crown that maximizes light capture and reduces soil evaporation under the tree.
Ability to fix nitrogen in the soil through bacterial symbiosis, common in Fabaceae.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
In its native Madagascar habitat, it is endangered due to habitat loss.
Susceptibility to termites and wood fungi in old or poorly pruned trees.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
In Costa Rica, the flowering of the Malinche usually announces the beginning of the hottest time of the year.
Dry pods are sometimes used as natural percussion instruments (maracas).