Colvillea Explained

Colvillea is a monotypic genus of legume in the family Fabaceae. Its only species is Colvillea racemosa.[1] The genus is named for Sir Charles Colville, an ex Governor of Mauritius.[2]

Colvillea racemosa is known by the common name Colville's glory.[3] The tree is particularly known for its bright orange flowers that grow in large cone or cylinder shaped clusters. After flowering, the tree produces long, flat, woody seed pods. The tree has small deep green leaves, superficially similar to Delonix regia.

The tree is native to Madagascar, although it is now widely grown as an ornamental plant in Australia and North America. In its native range, the tree primarily grows in lowland forest and savannah areas.

The species is listed as "Least Concern" on the IUCN red list.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Colvillea Bojer ex Hook.. . n.d.. Plants of the World Online. The Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. August 25, 2020.
  2. http://www.backyardgardener.com/gardendictionary/Colvillea.html Dictionary - Backyard gardener
  3. Web site: Colvillea racemosa - Colville's Glory. Flowers of India. 28 April 2013.