Poinciana Trees in Bloom

This month Norfolk Island has been looking bright with the beautiful poinciana trees blooming. Queen Elizabeth Avenue has dozens of trees in flower, and they look stunning. I took photos a few weeks ago, and since then, the bright red flowers keep getting more brilliant as more flowers have open smothering the trees to the delight of the passing public.

These lovely trees were planted by Marie Bailey in 1997 from the seeds off her big old poinciana tree. When I posted photos on my Facebook page, one of my friends said she had a tree that Marie Bailey grew from a seed and gave to her daughter, and they enjoy the lovely tree. I am sure Marie Bailey enjoyed watching her trees grow in her beautiful Queen Victoria Gardens, and she would love to see all the stunning flowers.

I read on this information on Facebook this week.

The Pitcairn Settlers Village

· 5 January 2024

We have Tom Bailey to thank for planting the first Poinciana tree on Norfolk Island about 90 years ago, which today is in full stunning flower. Growing up under that tree must have been the inspiration for Marie to plant Poincianas right along the road edge of Queen Victoria Gardens. Such a beautiful sight, and foresight of Marie's.

Included in this post is a photo of Mary Christian-Bailey's from 9 years ago showing Marie, Bernie, Charles and Kim enjoying some fish and chips under the flowering tree! Beautiful, thanks Mary.

Come and see Tom's tree on one of our guided tours this Wednesday and Saturday 9.30am and 1.30pm.

Another fantastic old poinciana tree on Norfolk Island is at Poinciana Cottages. This tree is so large, the trunk and branches are thick, and I can imagine children climbing and playing in this massive tree. The tree is in the homestead garden of the owners of Poinciana Cottages. Their guest staying at the cottages must enjoy the lovely garden and this beautiful tree.

I like to stop when driving Queen Elizabeth Avenue, at the Queen Victoria Gardens and enjoy walking through the gardens with my camera, capturing more images of the poinciana trees. The trees line the roadway, and the green leaves are layered with so many red flowers and the bees enjoy their feast of nectar from the blooms. The largest tree is by the little gateway at the end of the garden, but there are many trees planted up to the carpark next to Hilli Restaurant and Guava Gallery and the famous Cyclorama.

I checked out a few details about poinciana trees, they are native to Madagascar, and because of their beauty they have spread around the world, including Norfolk Island. They can grow anywhere from 5 metres to 12 metres in height and have dense green foliage which provides shade on hot sunny days. I read that the trees flower in our Norfolk Island summer months, (Australia November to February).

Summer is a time to relax and enjoy the beauty of Norfolk Island. Here are some photos I took in 2020, plus another from January 2024. If you would like a relaxing stroll through the Queen Victoria Garden, you can enjoy these lovely poinciana flowering trees.

Betty Matthews

19 January 2024