Chinese flame tree
Koelreuteria elegans (Seem.) A.C.Sm.
Koelreuteria elegans, known as the Chinese flame tree, is a deciduous tree reaching 15–17 metres in height. It is divided into two subspecies: K. elegans ssp. elegans, found only in Fiji, and K. elegans ssp. formosana, native to Taiwan. The latter, also called the Taiwanese golden rain tree, is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions as a street tree.
Description
Koelreuteria elegans (Seem.) A.C.Sm. belongs to the family Sapindaceae and is native to regions including Fiji and Taiwan. The subspecies K. elegans ssp. formosana is widely planted in tropical and subtropical climates for urban use. The species was first described in 1952 and is found in various locations such as the United States, Australia, and parts of Asia and the Pacific. The tree is known for its ornamental value and is commonly referred to as the Chinese flame tree in English.
Other common names
Chinese flame treeflamegold
Distribution
VU · AU · conterminous 48 United States · Fiji · Florida · Louisiana · Mississippi · Taiwan · Texas
Synonyms
Koelreuteria vitiensisMelia elegansAzedarach elegans
