Nile Tulip

Scientific name: Markhamia lutea

POWO Status: Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 56.38″ N, 64° 49′ 51.36″ W

20250802
20250829
20250823
20250823
20250818
20250818
20250818
20250802
20250802
20250802
20250802
20250802

Observations:

Phenological Markers – Markhamia lutea

Common Name: Nile Tulip Tree, Yellow Bell Bean Tree
Scientific Name: Markhamia lutea (Benth.) K.Schum.
Family: Bignoniaceae

Leaf Phenology

  • Leaf Type: Compound (pinnate or trifoliate), large, glossy green leaflets with prominent veins
  • Evergreen/Semi-deciduous: Generally evergreen in wet tropical climates; may become semi-deciduous in prolonged dry periods
  • Leaf Flush: New growth emerges periodically, often in response to rain or after flowering
  • Senescence: Older leaves yellow and drop gradually; more noticeable after fruiting or in dry seasons

Flowering

  • Inflorescence: Terminal panicles of large, trumpet-shaped golden yellow flowers with maroon markings in the throat
  • Blooming Period: Typically late dry to early rainy season; flowering can be intermittent or prolonged depending on climate
  • Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and sunbirds
  • Phenological Indicator: Showy clusters of yellow flowers at branch tips, often with fallen blooms forming a yellow carpet beneath

Fruiting

  • Fruit Type: Long, slender, cylindrical capsule (up to 40 cm), brown and woody when mature
  • Fruit Development: Begins after flowering; takes several months to mature
  • Dispersal: Wind dispersal via papery-winged seeds released when capsules split open
  • Phenological Indicator: Hanging brown seed pods visible against canopy; open pods with papery seeds may persist or fall

Suggested Photo Angles

  • Full tree showing upright habit and terminal flower clusters
  • Close-up of compound leaves and leaf flush
  • Bright yellow flower clusters with visible maroon throat markings
  • Developing and mature seed pods (closed and split)
  • Fallen flowers or seeds beneath tree

Notes for Monitoring

Observe leaf flush → flowering → fruiting → pod split as a useful phenological cycle

Markhamia lutea is fast-growing and often planted as an ornamental or shade tree in tropical urban and garden settings

Its bright yellow flowers and tall capsules make it an ideal subject for seasonal tracking

Flowering may occur multiple times per year depending on rainfall patterns and pruning

Scroll to Top