Common Name: African tulip tree; it is also known as fireball, or flame of the forest.
Scientific Name: Spathodea campanulata. It is a member of the Bignoniaceae.
Distribution: Widespread. Asia, Africa, North, South and Central America, the Caribbean, Europe (Spain), Oceania. It is recorded from Australia, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia. Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna. It is native to tropical West Africa.
Invasiveness & Habitat: An invasive tree that rapidly colonises disturbed areas – along roadsides, waterways, and at forest margins – in tropical and sub-tropical regions. It is especially common along creeks and gullies, or in thick stands in wetter parts of the Pacific islands (Photo 1). It can tolerate dry seasons for up to 6 months, and grows in soils that are poorly or well drained. Its invasiveness is associated with the production of masses of wind-dispersed seeds and profuse suckering.
Janka Hardness: 510 (soft).
Decay and Weather Resistance: Low to moderate decay resistance and is susceptible to insect attack..
Workability: Tulip wood are very easy to work with; it is a lightweight wood with low density. It nails/screws, glues, and stains well.
Uses: Tulipwood uses including furniture making, cabinetry, boxes or crates, interior joinery, and turnings or carvings.