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1.Peltophorum Pterocarpum — Overview
Peltophorum pterocarpum, widely recognized as the Copperpod, Yellow Flame Tree, or Golden Flamboyan, is a magnificent ornamental tree belonging to the Fabaceae family. Native to the lush landscapes of Southeast Asia and Papua New Guinea, it has been extensively introduced and cultivated across tropical and subtropical regions globally for its striking aesthetic appeal. This fast-growing, medium to large deciduous tree typically attains heights of 15 to 25 meters, characterized by a broad, often flat-topped canopy that offers substantial shade. Its most captivating feature is the profusion of bright yellow to golden-orange flowers, borne in large, showy panicles, particularly prominent during the dry season, creating a vibrant spectacle. The flowers are not only visually stunning but also emit a subtle, pleasant fragrance.
The foliage consists of elegantly bipinnately compound leaves, where each main leaf stalk branches into smaller stalks, bearing numerous small, oblong leaflets, giving the canopy a delicate, fern-like texture. These leaflets are typically a fresh, vibrant green and are arranged oppositely along the rachis. Following the floral display, the tree develops distinctively flat, woody pods, which mature to a rusty brown or copper color, lending the tree its popular common name, Copperpod. These pods contain several seeds and are efficiently dispersed by wind or water. The bark of Peltophorum pterocarpum is generally smooth and grey in its youth, gradually developing fissures and a rougher texture with age.
While its wood is moderately hard and durable, it is not primarily valued for high-grade timber. This species exhibits remarkable adaptability, thriving in a diverse range of soil types, including poor and sandy substrates, and demonstrates excellent tolerance to drought and coastal conditions, making it an ideal candidate for urban landscaping, roadside planting, and parkland enhancement. Its vigorous growth and abundant flowering contribute significantly to the biodiversity and aesthetic richness of tropical and subtropical environments, providing both visual appeal and ecological benefits such as habitat provision and shade.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Peltophorum pterocarpum:
1.1.Peltophorum Pterocarpum — Key Features
- Striking Ornamental Value — Renowned for its abundant, showy golden-yellow flowers and rusty-brown pods.
- Fast — Growing Shade Tree — Provides excellent canopy cover, reaching 15-25 meters in height.
- Drought and Salt Tolerant — Highly adaptable to challenging environmental conditions, including coastal areas.
- Bipinnately Compound Leaves — Elegant, fern-like foliage with numerous small, vibrant green leaflets.
- Traditional Medicinal Uses — Bark and leaves are traditionally used for inflammation, pain, and skin ailments in some regions.
- Rich Phytochemistry — Contains beneficial compounds like flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids.
- Ecological Benefits — Offers habitat for birds and provides significant shade in urban and natural landscapes.
- Easy Propagation — Primarily grown from scarified seeds, demonstrating good germination rates.
- Low Maintenance — Requires minimal care once established, making it popular for public and private gardens.
- Common Names — Known as Copperpod, Yellow Flame Tree, and Golden Flamboyan.
1.2.Peltophorum Pterocarpum — Quick Summary
- Peltophorum pterocarpum is an ornamental tree known for its vibrant yellow flowers and copper-colored pods.
- Traditionally, parts of the tree are used for their potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
- Rich in flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids, contributing to its potential therapeutic effects.
- Cultivated widely in tropical regions, it is adaptable to various soils and drought-tolerant.
- Potential applications include remedies for inflammation, pain, skin issues, and digestive support.
- Always consult a healthcare professional before using, especially for internal applications, due to limited scientific validation.
2.Peltophorum Pterocarpum — Scientific Identity
3.Peltophorum Pterocarpum — Categories & Tags
4.Peltophorum Pterocarpum — Appearance & Identification
5.Peltophorum Pterocarpum — Water Requirements
- Site Selection — Choose a location with full sun exposure for optimal flowering and growth; the tree tolerates a wide range of soil types.
- Soil Requirements — Prefers well-drained loamy or sandy soils but is adaptable to poor and coastal conditions; a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 is ideal.
- Watering — Young trees require regular watering to establish; mature trees are drought-tolerant and need minimal irrigation once established.
- Propagation — Primarily propagated by seeds, which benefit from scarification or hot water treatment to improve germination rates; stem cuttings are also possible but less common.
- Fertilization — Generally not demanding, but young trees can benefit from a balanced slow-release fertilizer during their initial growth phase.
- Pruning — Prune to shape the canopy, remove dead or diseased branches, and manage size; best done after the main flowering season.
- Pest and Disease Management — Generally resistant to most common pests and diseases, but monitor for occasional issues like scale insects or fungal spots, addressing them with appropriate organic or chemical treatments.
- Climate — Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, intolerant of frost and prolonged cold temperatures.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
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1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
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Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
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