Royal Poinciana, Flame of the Forest, Framboyan (Flamboyant tree), Peacock flower 

The Spanish call it  Framboyan (flamboyant) and seeing a mature Royal Poinciana tree in full-bloom is a breath-taking sight. The Royal Poinciana is a fast-growing tree that can reach up to 40' tall and nearly as wide. This is not a tree for a small yard or tight quarters.

Common Name:  Royal Poinciana, Flame of the Forest, Framboyan (Flamboyant tree), Peacock flower 

Botanical Name:  Delonix regia, syn. Poinciana regia

Family:  Fabaceae

Plant Type:  Tree with spreading canopy

Origin: Madagascar, Tropical Africa and India

Zones: 10 - 11

Height:  30' or more

Rate of Growth: Fast

Salt Tolerance: High

Soil Requirements:  Well drained, moist, fertile soil

Water Requirements: Water freely, less water in winter

Nutritional Requirements: Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly

Light Requirements: Full sun

Form:  Large, shady tree with spreading form

Leaves:  Bipinnate and comprised of approximately 1,000 small leaflets 

Flowers:  Red, orange, yellow and a rare white variety. Blooms between May and August.

Fruits: Pendulous, flattened bean-like seed pods to 10" long -- harden in autumn

Pests: Spider mites, whiteflies, thornbugs, crown gall, mushroom rot, wood rot, leaf spots and dieback

Uses:  Specimen and shade tree, they do poorly and usually will not bloom in pots.

Bad Habits: Considered a "dirty" tree because they shed their leaves, flowers and woody seed pods. Roots are aggressive and can damage sidewalks, septic tanks and other structures if planted too close to them.

Cost:  $$ -- reasonable

Propagation:   Seeds knicked and soaked in warm water over-night. Cuttings allow trees to begin blooming in less than 5 years. 

Source:   A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants,  Flowering Trees of Florida,  Flora: A Gardener's Encyclopedia