flame tree meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

flame tree

noun

/fleɪm tɹiː/

Etymology flame + tree, from the fiery colour of the flowers.

13 senses

Any tree or shrub with yellow or bright red flowers from several species including

› Any tree or shrub with yellow or bright red…

Rhododendron arboreum (tree rhododendron), of southern Asia

Brachychiton acerifolius (syn. Sterculia acerifolia.

[…] its scarlet-flowered cousin the maple leaved Sterculia, or Australian flame-tree, which we grow in California for ornament, too, is a tough waterproof fiber a couple of inches thick, that is good material for cordage and mats.1919, Charles Francis Saunders, With the Flowers and Trees in California, R.M. McBride & Co., section 47:

Delonix regia (royal poinciana), native to Madagascar

Alloxylon flammeum (Queensland tree waratah, red silky oak)

Butea monosperma (flame of the forest), of southern Asia

Embothrium coccineum (Chilean flame tree, Chilean firebush)

Erythrina abyssinica, of eastern and southern Africa

Erythrina spp. (coral trees), of most tropical and subtropical regions

Koelreuteria bipinnata (Chinese flame tree)

Nuytsia floribunda (Australian Christmas tree)

Peltophorum spp. (African flame tree)

Spathodea campanulata (African tulip tree, African flame tree)