I was half way through my trip in Queensland 2021, when I saw a majestic blooming tree so full of flowers that tree’s branches where almost touching the ground.
Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia), also called flamboyant tree or peacock tree, strikingly beautiful flowering tree of the pea family (Fabaceae). It is native to Madagascar, and it has been widely planted in frost-free regions for its large scarlet to orange flowers and its shade. It is a rapid grower, attaining a height of 6 to 12 metres (20 to 40 feet) and bears compound leaves that reach 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 feet) in length. The fruit is a flat woody legume, up to 60 cm (2 feet) long.
In the Indian state of Kerala, royal poinciana is called kaalvarippoo which means “the flower of Calvary”. There is a popular belief among Saint Thomas Christians of Kerala that when Jesus was crucified, there was a small royal poinciana tree nearby his cross. It is believed that the blood of Jesus Christ was shed over the flowers of the tree and this is how the flowers of royal poinciana got a sharp red color. It is also known as Vaaga in many areas of Kerala.
Hand signed by artist
Limited edition
100x100 oil on canvas
2300$