Flame Trees Blossom

Flame of the Forest in full bloom

The flame tree (Delonix regia), originating in Madagascar, is a Caesalpiniaceae, also known as phoenix tree in Chinese. It is a common flowering tree in Hong Kong.

Flame of the Forest near the train station entrance

The trees grow very fast and can be seen everywhere on campus, with the one around the University KCR Station being the most spectacular. Flame trees do not blossom in the first eight years, but when they do, usually in May or June, the clusters of red flowers are a striking sight. Few who lay their eyes on them would wonder why they are known as flames of the forest.