Description:
The plant is a large tree with a straight trunk that branches early. Its bark is soft and porous, and the crown is broad but sparse. The leaves are oblong-ovate or lanceolate, a glossy, pale green, with entire or slightly toothed margins, and they cluster at the ends of branches.
The inflorescence is a robust, elongated raceme (sometimes up to 1 meter long), curving outward, and is concentrated directly on the trunk and older branches. The flowers are large and exceptionally fragrant. The calyx lobes are thick at the base, ovate, and pointed. The corolla is concave, curved, and opens evenly to a rounded shape, displaying shades of red-yellow, with a reddish-purple or yellow base. Numerous stamens are densely packed, filling the throat of the flower, and are yellow. The fruit is a large sphere, 10–20 cm in diameter, pale red, and contains numerous seeds (fruiting is rare in Vietnam).
Distribution:
The tree originates from the tropical regions of South America (Guiana).
Uses:
It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its distinctive flowers, which bloom profusely throughout the year. Its beauty and attractive flowers have led to its widespread cultivation in the southern provinces of Vietnam.