Delonix Regia or Gul Mohr (Peacock Flower) as it is known in most parts of India, is one of the most beautiful trees I have ever seen! It is also known as Royal Poinciana or Flamboyant.

Every year, in April, I watch in amazement as this tree bursts forth into bloom in a variety of shades ranging from crimson to scarlet. It is simply magical to see a completely bare tree turn so beautiful in the midst of the scorching summer with no rain in sight. It shows that Mother Nature is always at work!

According to D. V. Cowen, the author of Flowering Trees and Shrubs in India, the Gul Mohr tree is a native of Madagascar. From there, it seems to have travelled to Mauritius, England and beyond and today it is found in most tropical countries across the world. In many parts of the world, this tree is grown as an ornamental plant. In India, the Gul Mohr has been planted as an avenue tree and provides good shade.

The Gul Mohr is in bloom in India from April to June. In April, the tree is laden with flowers and has very few leaves. In May, fresh green leaves begin to appear and add to its beauty. During this time, it is a pleasure to drive or walk down a tree lined avenue and take in the beauty of the flowers as they reach for the sky. As we do so, we shouldn’t forget to enjoy the red carpet of petals on the ground!

Unfortunately, these trees have only secondary roots and hence are not very strong. This makes them prone to falling during heavy winds and rains. To enjoy their beauty, they have to be scientifically pruned from time to time. Instead of doing this, many trees are mindlessly cut as people fear that it might fall. It is important for us to be mindful and protect what we have lest we lose it all.

In the next post, I’ll share a poem that I wrote inspired by the beauty of the Gul Mohr tree.