Saturday, September 12, 2009

Name That Tree!



Since July I have been noticing these trees with gorgeous orange flowers all along Ocean Avenue. As long as I have lived in Southern California, I don't remember ever seeing anything like this. What the heck are they? Does anyone know?

It's definitely a tree, not a bush. The big ones are way taller than a one-story house.

Here's a closeup of the blossom. Each one of those teeny mini-bananas in the middle opens into a fabulous orange beauty. As more of the inner ones open, the outer blooms tend to drop off, so the overall flower stays about the same size.



And here's some leaves --



And that is absolutely all the information I have. Can anyone help?

9 comments:

Life Looms Large said...

I wish the tree was named the "Monkey Flower Tree", but I don't think it is.

I've spent an embarrassing amount of time just now googling to try to figure out what kind of tree it is, with no luck.

It is beautiful & I hope some one chimes in with the answer!!! We definitely don't have that tree in New Hampshire!!!

Sue

Kath said...

I don't know why I didn't think of it before - but now that you've got such great shots - why not take them around to some local nurseries, or even good 'ole Rogers Gardens, and see if they know?

NHWeaver said...

It's an African Tulip Tree. More info can about the tree can be found here http://www.naturia.per.sg/buloh/plants/african_tulip.htm

Delighted Hands said...

I have never seen such a tree! It is utterly beautiful!! Glad we all know now! I wonder if it would grow here..........?

Life Looms Large said...

Yay!! I am so happy that some one knew the name of that tree!! For some reason those blossoms captivated me, and I wanted to know what it was called!

Now I can stop checking back here to see if anyone has come up with the answer!

And if I'm in CA, Florida, or Kenya any time soon, I'll be on the lookout for that tree!

Sue

Wool Enough said...

Hoorah!! And many, many thanks to NHWeaver for identifying the mystery tree. Now I can greet them by name as I walk past.
--Rita

bspinner said...

Have no clue but sure love the color.

Sharon said...

It's gorgeous. I'm from SoCal and I didn't recognize it. Wouldn't it be wonderful if it were a dye plant with nonfugitive color!!

Knitting Linguist said...

Not the faintest clue! But I wish I did, that's one nifty tree...