Markhamia lutea

Markhamia lutea

Markhamia lutea

Origin: Indigenous

The understated Markamia lutea, also known as the Nile Tulip is a striking evergreen tree boasting an upright stature and a slender, irregular crown, typically reaching heights of 10-15 meters. Its bark features a light brown hue with delicate cracking, while its compound, pinnate leaves consist of 7-11 leaflets, often clustered and slightly undulating, extending up to 10 cm in length with broader tips. Noticeably, round leafy outgrowths adorn the base of the foliage. Admire its bright yellow flowers arranged in clusters, each trumpet-shaped with striking orange-red stripes within the throat, while furry buds split on one side to reveal the blossoms. The tree bears long, slender capsules, up to 75 cm in length, arranged in spiralling clusters, which eventually split to release numerous flat winged seeds; mature seeds exhibit a yellow-white hue, turning black if collected prematurely.

Markamia lutea holds significant importance in western Kenya, prized for its termite-resistant wood. Its cousin, M. zanzibarica, thrives primarily in dry forests and secondary bushes along the coast. This smaller tree or shrub features diminutive flowers and fruit and finds versatile use in crafting poles, firewood, bows, arrows, and tool handles. While Markhamia predominantly thrives in Africa, it also has a presence in Asia with a few species.