A large spreading tree which produces abundant flowers and is widely planted in Hong Kong as an ornamental. The tree is widely distributed in the tropical regions of S. E. Asia and has a range extending from India to Northern Australia.

Leaves alternate, compound with 5 to 7 leaflets arranged in a palmate fashion on a long petiole. The tree is deciduous and loses its leaves in the Winter usually around January to February just as the flowers are beginning to open. The new leaf buds than emerge in May after the end of fowering.

Flowers Conspicuous bright scarlet flowers with five petals. The flowering period is from February to May but will be shorter if the weather is warm. The tree is pollinated by a large number of bird species who are attracted by the copius nectar.

Fruit A large woody capsule to 20cm long containing up to 400 seeds surrounded by long white fluffy hair. In dry conditions the seeds can be transported up to 500m by the hairs.

Images from the International Botanical Congress, St Louis 1999

L. Ramsden, Hong Kong 1998