Delonix regia (Royal Poinciana)

[Luke308]

hey guys, I bought a heap of seeds a few months back, and due to being messed around by the ebay seller, I had a few seed packs thrown in for free(actually they ended up refunding me so I got them all for free!!)

One of the bonus seed packs was Delonix Regia, which I had never heard of before. I planted them anyway, and I noticed today that one has finally sprouted. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with them in Australia, particularly as bonsai?? Should I keep them or should I not bother? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delonix_regia

On a side note, my Casuarina Torulosa (which were bonuses too), Casuarina equsetfolia, and callitris endlicheri (black cypress pine) have started sprouting. I hope by the time they have developed enough to be trained, I will know enough about bonsai to do them justice

[Pat093]

dont see why not mate.
Maise well try.

[Bougy Fan]

Hi Luke
I can't believe you haven't heard of a poinciana before. Here in Brissy they were used as street trees along with Jacaranda so extensively that a lot of people believe they are natives. I collect seedlings of both while at work sometimes. I have been told they are hard to bonsai but I persevere. The hardest thing is that they are very reluctant to bud back further down the trunk, but live quite well in a bonsai pot. Good luck !

Tony

[Hornet]

i'm pretty sure they are more tropical which would explain why he isnt familiar with them. They are everywhere up here in brisbane. Cant help with the bonsai part though, good luck.

John

[daiviet_nguyen]

Hi Luke,

Delonix Regia leaves structure is very much alike jacaranda http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacaranda we have in QLD.

The red Delonix Regia does bring back the memories of my high school years in Vietnam. It blooms around September, which also signifies a three months long school break. Or for year 12, it is the last of the red Delonix Regia blooming season. Beautiful romantic songs have been written about it.

I have not seen Delonix Regia planted for anything other than for it shades. A single leaf could be up to 30cm long. The branches are very brittle, even when young.

Cheers.

[Rintar]

any one have pics of their efforts

[Tambrand]

Guys,

it doesn't really work, but a friend did get more branches by drilling holes in the trunk and passing new trees through.
Try a Tamarind.
Laters.
Tambrand