Scarlet Flame: Sterculia colorata

A rare, architectural treasure prized for its coral-hued blossoms and sculptural caudex.

1. Origin & History of Name: The genus name Sterculia is derived from Sterculius, the Roman god of dung, referencing the distinctive odor produced by the flowers of some species. The specific epithet colorata is Latin for "colored," a direct nod to the vivid orange-red appearance of the branchlets and flowers. It was formally described by Scottish botanist William Roxburgh in the late 18th century during his tenure at the Calcutta Botanical Garden.
2. Morphology: This deciduous tree is celebrated for its pachycaul (thick-stemmed) growth habit, often developing a swollen base or caudex in container cultivation. Its bark is smooth and ash-colored, but the true highlight is the stellate pubescence—microscopic, star-shaped hairs that give the inflorescence a velvety, neon-orange texture. The leaves are palmately lobed, resembling a maple, and emerge only after the spectacular dry-season bloom.
3. Habitat & Origin: Sterculia colorata is a wild species native to the mixed dry-deciduous forests of South Asia, particularly the Eastern and Western Ghats of India. It is a slow-growing species that plays a vital role in its local ecosystem. Our specimens are sourced from sustainably managed nurseries to ensure the protection of wild populations in their native biomes.
4. Cultivation Profile:
   • Substrate: A strictly mineral-based, gritty mix. Use a ratio of 70% volcanic rock or pumice and 30% organic matter to prevent root rot.
   • Light: Requires bright, direct sunlight (6–8 hours). In the Indian subcontinent, protect from the harshest mid-day summer sun if grown in small containers.
   • Water/Dormancy: Water deeply during the monsoon and summer. It is obligate deciduous; withhold all water once leaves drop in winter to mimic its natural dry-forest dormancy.
5. Scientific/Historical Anecdote: In traditional Indian ethno-botany, the bark of Sterculia colorata was historically used to produce a strong fiber for ropes. Scientifically, it is a fascinating example of cauliflory potential, where flowers can appear on older wood, ensuring they are highly visible to pollinators in the leafless canopy of the Indian dry season.