Gulmohar (Delonix regia): names, uses, safety

Gulmohar, Delonix regia, is the flame tree that turns Indian roads scarlet in April and May, just before the monsoon. It comes from the dry forests of Madagascar, where it is now rare in the wild, and it has been planted across the tropics for its blaze of colour. It is an ornamental tree, not a food or medicine.

Botanical name: Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf.
Family: Fabaceae
Tamil: Mayil konrai
Hindi: Gulmohar
Parts used: Flowers (ornamental)
Habit: Flame tree; konrai is a shop word
Last updated: 2026-10-26

How to recognise Gulmohar

It is a spreading, umbrella-shaped tree with feathery, twice-pinnate leaves of tiny leaflets that fall in the dry season.

Flowers are large and scarlet to orange-red, with four spreading petals and one upright, larger petal streaked with yellow and white.

The pods are long, flat, dark brown and woody, up to sixty centimetres long, rattling with seeds when dry.

Copper pod, Peltophorum pterocarpum, has similar leaves but yellow flowers and small, flat, rust-coloured pods.

Traditional use of Gulmohar

City planting

Gulmohar was planted along roads and in compounds in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and many other cities for its summer colour and shade.

Indian urban planting

Play and craft

Children play with the long pods as rattles and swords, and the flowers are used in decorations.

Indian household practice

Modern notes on Gulmohar

It is one of the most widely planted ornamental trees in the tropics.

Its shallow, spreading roots can lift pavements, and its brittle branches make it prone to falling in storms.

Gulmohar safety

The seeds are not food. Old roadside trees should be checked before the monsoon.

Ecology and sourcing

In the wild it is confined to dry deciduous forest in western Madagascar, where habitat loss has made wild trees scarce.

Its flowers are visited by sunbirds and butterflies.

It casts dense shade and has competitive roots, so few plants grow beneath it.

Related plants

Also in Fabaceae

Questions about Gulmohar

Where does Gulmohar come from?

Madagascar.

What older names does Delonix regia go by?

Poinciana regia.

When does Gulmohar flower?

Mostly in April and May, before the monsoon.

Is Gulmohar native to India?

No. It was brought from Madagascar and is planted, not wild.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.