African Tulip Tree

African Tulip Tree

African tulip tree blooming in Key West

The African tulip tree can be a large tree when it grows to over 60-feet tall as some do. It is native to the tropical dry forests of Africa.

The ones we see in Key West are not nearly that large.

African tulip tree in full bloom in February in Key West

The African tulip tree is planted as an ornamental tree throughout the tropics and is much admired for its very showy reddish-orange or crimson, flowers. Some say it has become an invasive species in many tropical areas. I can not imagine this beautiful tree becoming an invasive species. When in bloom this tree is nothing short of eye-candy.

This African tulip tree is located on the grounds of the Hemingway Mansion in Key West

I remember the first time we saw one of these African tulip trees. It was January in the small town of Alva, Florida a bit east of Ft Myers. There were several huge African tulip trees and they were full of these huge bright orange/red blooms. Crows were feasting on the nector. It was a truly amazing sight. with the flock of jet black crows converging on these trees like a flock of black birds.

Those two African tulip trees in Alva are the largest ones that we have personally seen. They were huge and appeared to be every bit of 60' tall with a huge canopy.

Mike holding an African tulip bloom that has fallen from a tree

We picked this bloom up after it had fallen onto the sidewalk in Key West.

The orange-red flower is often described as bell shaped.

Bell shaped blooms of an African tulip tree pointed toward the sky

The flower bud contains water. These buds are often used by children who play with its ability to squirt the water. The sap sometimes stains yellow on fingers and clothes. The open flowers are cup-shaped and hold rain and dew, making them attractive to many species of birds.

The magnificent African tulip tree flowers are seen in late winter. Blooms are softball sized, ultra showy and face looking up to the sky as you can see from this picture.

PLANTS INDEX

Miscellaneous Subjects** EXCITING DRIVES

Mike & Joyce Hendrix

Mike & Joyce Hendrix who we are

We hope you liked this page. If you do you might be interested in some of our other Travel Adventures:

Mike & Joyce Hendrix's home page

Travel Adventures by Year ** Travel Adventures by State ** Plants ** Marine-Boats ** Geology ** Exciting Drives ** Cute Signs ** RV Subjects ** Miscellaneous Subjects

We would love to hear from you......just put "info" in the place of "FAKE" in this address: FAKE@travellogs.us

Until next time remember how good life is.