Best time to travel to Rarotonga & Cook Islands

Flamboyant or Flame Tree in Rarotonga & Cook Islands

These magnificent trees create fantastic landscapes

Best time: November–February

Flamboyant or Flame Tree
Flamboyant or Flame Tree
Flamboyant or Flame Tree

Flamboyant, also called a Flame Tree, is a beautiful tree that can be found on the Cook Islands. It usually grows to the height of 5 metres, but sometimes it can reach even 12 or 15 metres. The flame tree has wide-spreading leaves that create perfect shade on a hot day. Its leaves look like feathers and are about 30 to 50 cm long.

Its gorgeous blooming can be observed mainly during the midsummer period. These flame-colored flowers are between 8 and 15 cm in diameter and create an amazing view. The bright colours of the flamboyant and its big size create unforgettable picturesque landscapes throughout the islands.Flamboyants are on the list of the top five most beautiful flowering trees in the world. The main season for observing the beauty of the blooming flame tree runs from November till February.

Practical info

When do flamboyant trees bloom in Cook Islands?

The blooming period of flamboyant trees in Cook Islands lasts from November to February. They produce stunning, flame-colored flowers that make them a special attraction throughout the midsummer period. Their impressive beauty and large size make the trees impossible to ignore. Show more

Where are flamboyant trees commonly found in Rarotonga?

Although flamboyant trees can be found in different areas of Rarotonga, they usually grow along the islands' main road systems and near the residential areas. They are also found in the wild or forested areas of the island. The trees' widespread presence makes it difficult to miss the magnificent beauty of their vibrant flame-colored flowers. Show more

What determines the average height of flamboyant trees in Cook Islands?

The average height of flamboyant trees in Cook Islands, which usually stands at around 5 metres, is determined by various factors like their species, environment, and climate. In favourable conditions, however, some trees have been known to reach 12 or even 15 metres tall. These impressive trees create unforgettable landscapes as they command attention in any location they grow. Show more

What do flamboyant flowers look like in terms of size and color?

Flamboyant flowers are unique with cup-shaped structures made up of five petals that range in diameter from 8 to 15 centimeters. Their flame-colored petals provide a bold and brilliant sight that ranges from red to orange. While the tree rarely produces fruits, when it does, the fruits are usually small in size and brown in colour. Not only is the flamboyant tree revered in mythology; the flower is also considered a national symbol in Madagascar. Show more

What makes flamboyant trees so famous for their beauty?

Flamboyant trees are famous for their unique features, such as large height, wide-spreading leaves that provide perfect shade, and their vibrant flamboyant flowers. These flowers, in particular, make the trees top the list of the five most beautiful flowering trees in the world. The attraction of these majestic trees is not restricted to Cook Islands as it commands attention worldwide in different cultures' mythological beliefs. Show more

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