Flame of the forest (Delonix regia)

ALL over Lagos metropolis, a tree is common to the landscape that if you are a green person, you’d have noticed- a flamboyant tree with small spiky leaves and red flowers. This beautiful tree called Flame of the Forest (Sekeseke  in Yoruba parlance) is grown for both ornamental and functional purpose and it seems to me to be Lagos State official tree. You’d find it along the main roads, in front of the state secretariat, in parks and all over the metropolis, offering more than shade from the scorching sun and waves of the Pacific Ocean.

Trees are important to every modern city that attempts to live up to its responsibility. Aside the aesthetic purpose they serve, giving the city a green appearance that brings out the terrestrial aspect of an otherwise industrial setting; trees like Flame of the Forest breathe and their clean breath clears away toxic buildup of carbon dioxide that is a natural effluent of our industrial dependence as citizens of modern cities. Their strong foothold in the soil also protect the skyscrapers all around from the effect of wind turbulence in case of storm, sharing the space with birds and others terrestrial elements that sustain the eco system.

In my book Thirty-Three Trees, I rhapsodized a Flame of the Forest in mystic verses, expressing the ecstasy I once experienced when I witnessed the flowering of a Sekesese.  The red flowers, produced in abundance, indeed made the tree to look as if it was on fire. Imagine hundreds of it flowering in a forest and then you’d appreciate where the tree got its name from. I still marvel at the miracle each time I see it around December or thereabout. If you live in Lagos metropolis, look out for this exquisite phenomenon and share with me. I bet you’d love it.

We are planting virtual trees in the cloud with Lagos State by partnering with them on SAVING ENERGY. I will share our progress with you. Take care and stay green.

Cheers.

WSO