Flamboyant Tree Blossom in Mauritius 2024-2025

From November till January, the northern and coastal parts of Mauritius drastically change due to the blossoming of the beautiful Flamboyant Tree or Delonix Ragia. A flamboyant tree has large flowers with four spreading petals, which are colored mostly in red or sometimes white, depending on the species.

The flamboyant tree, also known as “bouquet banana,” discovered in Madagascar in 1824, is now common in the tropical belt and has become part of Mauritian folklore. A flamboyant tree announces summer as well as the arrival of a new year. The abundance of reddish flowers offers an unbelievable delight for the eyes and serves as a fabulous sensation for numerous photographers.

The flamboyant is suffering from the vagaries of time. The population of these trees has been considerably reduced over recent years. Although there are no accurate statistics of this contraction, you can see for yourself by driving around Grand Bay or Mon Choisy.

There’s a popular belief that a small Flamboyant Tree was growing nearby the cross on which Jesus was crucified, and his blood was shed over the flowers, giving them this unique deep red color.