African Tulip Tree

Native to East Africa, this gorgeous tree can grow to over 100’ in height, and has enormous clumps of red-orange flowers. But it is also a terrific pest in tropical areas like Belize. In Hawaii, where the African tulip tree has spread into native forests, it takes over the natural habitat because the seedlings can grow in shade and spread seeds on the breeze, killing native plants by shading them out. It also “suckers,” spreading by sprouts coming up from extending underground roots. It does the same here if people plant it in their yards, as has been proven in Puerto Rico, our neighboring island.

So although it is beautiful, this is not a tree you want to encourage in any way. If you absolutely can’t resist a red-flowering tree, go for a Flamboyant Tree, also not a native, but not as invasive, either.

The African tulip tree is a fast grower, able to increase its trunk diameter 2” per year. But this also means that the fast-growing branches are weak and will break and fall during windstorms, making them a real hazard in yards and along roadways. There’s an excellent cautionary website here.