compound with 3 to 5 orbicular leaflets appearing alternately along
a zigzag rachis (Fig. 26). In general appearance, the tree and foliage
is somewhat like a poplar. Flowers are small and yellowish-white,
appearing in short axillary panicles during summer.
 Sissoo is tolerant of widely varying soils, and is able to withstand
severe droughts and flooding for considerable periods without damage.
Trees are partially tolerant of salt spray, but must be planted some
distance from the seacoast. Sissoo serves well as a framing, back-
ground or street tree and as a free-standing specimen.

 Delonix regia. Leguminosae. Royal Poinciana or Flamboyant.
Southern area and warmer parts of Central area. Deciduous. Mada-
gascar.
 Trees attain a height of about 40 feet with an equal spread.
Bipinnately compound leaves are fern-like, attaining a maximum
length of nearly 2 feet, and shed for a short period in spring. Fruits
are large, heavy, strap-like pods, nearly 2 inches wide and up to 24
inches long. Royal poinciana blooms during the early summer, pro-
ducing a mass of scarlet overtopping the broad-spreading crown of
deep green foliage (Fig. 27). Individual flowers are 2 to 3 inches


Fig. 27.-The royal poinciana, Delonix regia.


across and borne in large racemes. Petals are orange or scarlet,
except for the upper one which is tinged with white and yellow.
 Royal poinciana is one of Florida's most spectacular flowering
trees. This tree grows rapidly and is adapted to a wide range of soil