African Tulip Tree — also known as Nandi Flame or Fountain Tree — is a flowering ornamental tree from the Bignoniaceae family, native to Tropical Africa. Raised from these Spathodea campanulata seeds, it grows into a large evergreen to semi-deciduous tree reaching about 15–25 m with a broad, rounded to spreading canopy and a spread of about 8–15 m. These are natural, untreated African Tulip Tree seeds intended for nursery raising and propagation. Its blooms in shades of orange to scarlet red make it a standout garden tree wherever it is planted.
Each pack contains 10 g of seeds with a germination rate of about 60–80% under suitable conditions, and seedlings typically emerge in about 10–25 days. Rated easy to moderate to raise from seed, African Tulip Tree responds best when you use fresh seeds, maintain consistent surface moisture and avoid covering seeds deeply because they are small and lightweight. Start seeds in nursery trays or Geo Fabric Circular Grow Bags filled with a light, well-draining mix, then shift healthy seedlings to a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-drained loamy, sandy loam & fertile garden soil (pH 5.5–7.5). A Small Stainless Steel Trowel makes lifting and transplanting young seedlings easy without disturbing the roots.
The ideal sowing window in India is February–April & June–August, during the spring & monsoon window, when warm 20–35°C temperatures support quick, even germination. African Tulip Tree suits urban planting, avenue and roadside planting, landscaping, agroforestry and farm and boundary planting across tropical & humid subtropical zones. Traditional uses are reported in parts of its native range; seeds are intended for planting. Timber value is rated low to moderate. Planning a mixed landscape? Pair it with our Delonix Regia (Gulmohar | Flame Tree Seeds) for a varied, resilient planting.
Beyond its visual appeal, African Tulip Tree provides shade, tree cover and habitat, has carbon sequestration potential rated high due to relatively fast growth, and flowers can provide nectar resources for birds and insects. Growing from seed is the most economical way to establish your own nursery stock, and it lets the young tree adapt to your local soil and climate from day one — ideal for home gardeners, farm owners, schools, CSR plantation drives and landscape projects.
How to Grow African Tulip Tree from Seed
African Tulip Tree Sowing Season in India
Sow in the spring & monsoon window, ideally February–April & June–August, at 20–35°C. Avoid cold winter sowing, when germination slows sharply. Suits tropical & subtropical climates up to 1,500 m.
Seed Preparation
Use fresh seeds, maintain consistent surface moisture and avoid covering seeds deeply because they are small and lightweight. Discard shrivelled or hollow seeds. Regional guidance: ICFRE.
Sowing African Tulip Tree Seeds
- Method: Nursery Sowing; direct sowing: possible under suitable conditions
- Mix: garden soil, cocopeat and compost, well-drained
- Depth: cover with a thin layer, about twice the seed's thickness
- Germination: about 10–25 days
- Keep warm and evenly moist; mist with a 1 L Spray Pump
Transplanting and Spacing
Transplant healthy seedlings after they develop several true leaves. Handle young roots carefully and gradually acclimatize them to outdoor conditions. Spacing: about 6–10 m (mature spread about 8–15 m). Containers: suitable only during early growth; not ideal for long-term container cultivation.
Ongoing Care
Give full sun to partial shade and moderate water using a Watering Can. Tolerance: drought low to moderate, frost low and waterlogging low to moderate; shield seedlings from frost and standing water in year one. Growth rate is fast; feed with compost or bio-fertilisers each monsoon.
Where to Plant African Tulip Tree
Best for urban planting, avenue and roadside planting, landscaping, agroforestry and farm and boundary planting. Zones: tropical & humid subtropical zones. States: Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh and other warm regions.
Common Problems
Poor germination from old seed, excessive watering, deep sowing, drying of seedbed, poor drainage and transplant shock. Good drainage and avoiding overwatering prevent most seedling losses.
Common Name: African Tulip Tree / Nandi Flame / Fountain Tree
Botanical Name: Spathodea campanulata
Plant Family: Bignoniaceae
Genus: Spathodea
Tree Type: Flowering Ornamental Tree
Growth Form: Large Evergreen to Semi-Deciduous Tree
Evergreen / Deciduous: Evergreen to Semi-Deciduous
Native Region: Tropical Africa
Native / Introduced: Introduced in India
Seed Type: Flowering Tree Seed
Pack Size: 10 g
Germination Rate: Approx. 60–80% under suitable conditions
Germination Time: Approx. 10–25 Days
Planting Season: Spring & Monsoon
Best Sowing Months (India): February–April & June–August
Expected Mature Height: Approx. 15–25 m
Expected Mature Spread: Approx. 8–15 m
Canopy Type: Broad, Rounded to Spreading
Root Type: Woody Root System
Tree Growth Rate: Fast
Timber Value: Low to Moderate
Fruit / Seed Use: Seed capsules produce winged seeds used for propagation
Seed Shelf Life: Approx. 6–12 Months under suitable storage; fresh seed is preferred
Country of Origin: India, if the actual commercial seed lot is sourced from India
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Requirement: Moderate
Soil Type: Well-drained Loamy, Sandy Loam & Fertile Garden Soil
Soil pH: Approx. 5.5–7.5
Temperature Range: Approx. 20–35°C
Suitable Climate: Tropical & Subtropical
Rainfall Requirement: Moderate to High
Altitude Range: Approx. 0–1,500 m
Drought Tolerance: Low to Moderate
Frost Tolerance: Low
Wind Tolerance: Moderate
Shade Tolerance: Moderate when young
Waterlogging Tolerance: Low to Moderate
Plant Spacing: Approx. 6–10 m
Nursery Suitable: Yes
Direct Sowing: Possible under suitable conditions
Container Suitable: Suitable only during early growth; not ideal for long-term container cultivation
Bonsai Suitable: Possible with regular training, but not a primary use
Urban Planting: Potentially Suitable only where sufficient space is available
Roadside Planting: Potentially Suitable with adequate space
Landscaping: Yes
Agroforestry: Potentially Suitable
Pollinator Friendly: Yes
Bird Friendly: Yes
Carbon Sequestration: High due to relatively fast growth
Erosion Control: Moderate
Growing Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Seed Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry and airtight container away from moisture and direct sunlight
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This refund policy states that once an order has been delivered to and accepted by the customer, it cannot be refunded. However, if the customer believes that the order does not meet the specified requirements, they are required to contact the customer care team within 24 hours of receiving the order.
Here's a breakdown of the key points in this refund policy:
- Orders Delivered and Accepted: Once a customer has received and accepted their order, they are not eligible for a refund.
- Discrepancies in Order: If the customer believes that the order does not meet the specified requirements or is not as expected, they have a 24-hour window to contact the customer care team.
It's important for customers to read and understand the refund policy to know their rights and responsibilities when it comes to requesting refunds or addressing issues with their orders.
Cancellation Policy
This cancellation policy outlines the conditions under which customers can cancel their orders with Anandi Green's. Here are the key points of this policy:
- Cancellation Timeframe: Customers can request a cancellation within 24 hours of placing an order. Cancellation requests made after this time period may not be entertained.
- Exclusions for Cancellation: Orders cannot be canceled if they have already been communicated to the vendors/merchants, and the shipping process has been initiated. Additionally, there is no cancellation allowed for orders placed under the Same Day Delivery category.
- Special Occasion Products: Orders for products obtained by Anandi Green's marketing team on special occasions like Pongal, Diwali, Valentine's Day, etc., cannot be canceled. These are considered limited occasion offers.
- Damaged or Defective Items: If customers receive damaged or defective consumer durable or nondurable items, they should report the issue to the Customer Service team within 1 day of receipt. The request will be entertained after the merchant has checked and confirmed the issue.
- Product Not as Expected: If a customer receives a product that does not meet their expectations or does not match what was shown on the website, they must inform the customer service team within 24 hours of receiving the product. The Customer Service Team will review the complaint and make an appropriate decision.
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We have partnered with several logistics for our Domestic Shipments. Normal delivery and shipping estimate for all the domestic shipments are between 5 to 7 business days, delays might occur in some unavoidable circumstances .
Mandatory Unboxing Video for Claims.
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