Colours of Bangalore’s Arboreal Crown, Part I-The Orange of African Tulip

A Flaming Jewel in Bangalore's Crown
Whether one is  strolling down the avenues or simply glancing out from one’s  window, the African Tulip tree is a sight that holds one spellbound, its bright blossoms painting the cityscape in warm, inviting hues.
That Bangalore’s lush avenues and tree-lined streets host a kaleidoscope of colours is well recognised, what is not so as well known is the identity of  these trees? There are many but the one that stands out is a tree ablaze with orange-red blooms—the African Tulip tree (Spathodea campanulata). Its flaming petals seem to ignite the skyline, their fiery hue reflecting both the warm vibrancy of the city and the timeless grace of nature. 
But what makes this tree more than just a splash of colour in Bangalore’s rich tapestry of flora? What gives it such significance that it should be the inaugural subject of this exploration into the trees that give the city its many shades? There’s more to the African Tulip than its beauty—its history, its adaptability, and its unique role in urban ecology make it an indispensable part of Bangalore’s urban landscape.
A Journey Across Continents
Originally hailing from the tropical forests of West and Central Africa, the African Tulip tree has been a part of human culture for centuries. In its native regions, the tree is considered sacred, often associated with protection and vitality. Its deep orange-red flowers, reminiscent of glowing embers, have led to beliefs in its power to ward off evil spirits and bring blessings to communities. Known by names like "Fountain Tree" and "Firebell" in different cultures, it has inspired awe across many traditions.
When it travelled across oceans to India, the African Tulip quickly found its place in Bangalore, a city that was eager to enrich its greenery. Its blossoms have become a metaphor for energy and passion—qualities that mirror the city’s own drive towards innovation and progress. Over time, the tree became a beloved fixture in Bangalore’s landscape, admired for its beauty and resilience.
The Colour of Fire and Joy
What makes the African Tulip tree particularly striking is its colour. Its orange-red flowers aren't merely eye-catching—they resonate with a deeper, more elemental energy. Orange, often seen as the colour of fire and transformation, is also a symbol of enthusiasm, success, and warmth. In the context of Bangalore’s vibrant life, the tree’s brilliant orange-red blooms feel like a visual celebration of the city's spirit—a confluence of tradition and modernity, old roots and new growth.
Each flower’s striking orange-red hue is accentuated by its golden edges, resembling the flicker of flames. Together, these colours form an unforgettable visual, especially when seen against the backdrop of the city’s azure skies and emerald foliage. This harmonious blend of colours makes the African Tulip an irreplaceable part of the city’s seasonal rhythm, a herald of the summer months.

A Botanical Marvel 
Growing up to 60 feet tall, with an expansive canopy, the tree’s large, leathery leaves create a lush, shady retreat, in essence a fascinating structure. Its flowers, with their bell-shaped structure, are unique—each bloom can hold a small pool of rainwater, providing hydration to visiting birds and insects.
Botanically, the tree belongs to the Bignoniaceae family, and its vibrant flowers, clustered at the tips of the branches, open in succession. These flowers give way to long, boat-shaped seed pods that burst open to release winged seeds, carried away by the wind to germinate and grow elsewhere. Its adaptability and resilience, along with its eye-catching beauty, have made it a preferred species for urban landscaping, notwithstanding some controversy in ecological circles regarding its invasive tendencies. But isn’t beauty invariably controversial? In this case, this flaming jewel in the emerald sea of foliage has settled the controversy for good. 
A Tree of Many Tales
Like all trees with such vivid personalities, the African Tulip has gathered stories and lores along its journey. In Africa, it was often referred to as the “Flame of the Forest,” with tales of how its flowers would light up the wilderness like torches. In some communities, the sap of the tree was used in traditional medicine, while its flowers were symbols of both love and war—their burning red hue reflecting passion in all its forms.
In Bangalore, the tree has its own place in local folklore, often seen as a reminder of monsoon rains when its flowers bloom in abundance. Some say the tree dances with the wind during thunderstorms, its flowers seeming to glow even brighter as the clouds gather. For children, the buds of the African Tulip have been a source of playful joy, squeezed to release water, earning the tree the playful moniker of “Squirt Tree.”

A Floral Symphony: A Poetic Tribute
Beyond its fascinating cultural history and botanical idiosyncrasies, the African Tulip tree ultimately captures the heart with its simple, overwhelming beauty. To walk under its blooming branches, to witness the cascade of fiery petals falling to the ground, is to experience a moment of pure joy. It brightens the city, softening the harshness of concrete with the colours of nature. While it is the tree’s flowers that first draw attention, the African Tulip is a year-round beauty. Its towering presence provides constant greenery, and even when it is not in full bloom, the thick foliage offers a cooling respite from the tropical sun. 
But it’s during the flowering season, typically between March and May, that this tree truly comes alive, transforming into a burst of fiery brilliance, making it an unmissable part of Bangalore’s seasonal rhythm.
Beneath the fiery tulips bright,
Orange flames against the light,
A dance of petals, soft and bold,
A story of joy in shades of gold.
In every breeze, they speak to me,
Of distant lands, across the sea,
A flame that once in forests grew,
Now blooms in Bangalore, anew.

(Uday Kumar Varma is an IAS officer. Retired as Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting)