Scarlet Flame Bean (Brownea coccinea)

If i ever get to live in South America, I'm going to feel right at home - they have all the same trees! Guess the tropical weather is what makes it so similar. Yet another tree that i came across in chennai is native to South America - The rose of venezuela a.k.a scarlet flame bean, or the West Indian Mountain Rose as it is called in this part of the world. This tree is related to the gulmohar and the copperpod - it is a caesalpinieae. Are you planning to visit the Horticultural gardens anytime? If you are, you will be able to see one of these trees next to where the manure is sold. Do stand under the canopy and take a look around - you will be able to see the flowers.




It isnt very big a tree but sure has fiery and big flowers! Actually it is the inflorescence that makes the flower bunch look so imposing - each flower is really quite narrow. The color is fantastic - and orangish red that makes even the gulmohar (delonix regia) look subdued.