They say flamboyanes withhold their flowers from May, and there is no better way to introduce this tree, which is in full bloom along Puerto Rico's streets.
Did you know that the flamboyán is also known as flamboyant and Royal Poinciana? Keep reading to learn more about them and where to find them on the Island.
1. Flamboyanes are native to Madagascar and appear in clusters between May and July. They also tend to stay on the tree for a month or more.
They are distinguished by four petals three inches long and one slightly larger petal, known as the standard, and they range in color from deep red to bright orange.
2. Its botanical name is Delonix regia: the genus delonix comes from the Greek delos, meaning visible, and onix, claw, because its petals are claw-shaped at the base. Regia comes from the Latin regis, meaning royal or magnificent, and is the basis for the common name Royal Poinciana.
Royal Poinciana was named in honor of Phillippe de Longvilliers de Poincy, governor of the French Antilles in the 18th century.
3. Truly tropical. The best place to plant a flamboyán is in an area that gets full sun, very much in the Puerto Rican way, and it thrives in dry climates, shedding its leaves at the end of the wet season. It has no pest or disease problems and tends to drop half its leaves before flowering.
4. El Valle de los Flamboyanes. The town of Peñuelas is known by this name, and for good reason. It offers visitors a beautiful view of flamboyanes in many corners of the town, especially along the Guayanés, Macana and Tallaboa rivers.
The Concha Acústica, next to the Iglesia Católica San José, features a colorful flamboyán mural painted by Peñuelas artist Israel Rosario.
Where can I find them on the Island?
Puerto Rico has many flamboyanes where you least expect them: along highways, in your favorite park and even in front of your neighbor's house.
Here, though, we share five places to find them and take photos alongside them.
Peñuelas
The well-known Valle de los Flamboyanes is perfect for a road trip, exploring the town and hunting for flamboyanes. Don't miss the mural steps from the plaza de recreo and the Iglesia Católica San José.
Historic bridge in Trujillo Alto
Driving through Trujillo Alto is like visiting another world, and along the historic bridge you can find beautiful flamboyanes to photograph. A bit of history adorned with flowers.
PR-834 in Guaynabo
If you prefer longer stretches, there is a road along PR-384, between Mirador Gavillán and Bosque La Marquesa, where you will come across flamboyanes on both sides of the road. A perfect drive!
Paseo Lineal Río Bayamón
Many people pass through Paseo Lineal Río Bayamón every day, whether walking or running. During the summer, the path takes on a different character and becomes the perfect setting to take in the flamboyanes that line the way.
PR-14, near the UPR de Cayey
PR-14, also known as calle Antonio R. Barceló and located near the UPR de Cayey, comes highly recommended by one of our Instagram users for being full of flamboyanes. In that user's words, "they are lit up and beautiful."
Now that you know a little more about flamboyanes, you will have a new perspective on this tree and its flowers the next time you decide to photograph them.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
