© Betsy Campen 

You are certain to see the large, oblong seed pods (shack shacks) of this tree, also called poinciana, where local crafts are sold.  They are either decoratively painted or sold for their use as percussive rattles.  The bright red flowers of the Flamboyant give it another name, flame tree (remember “The Flame Trees of Thika?”)  A native of Madagascar, the flamboyant looses its leaves in the dry season.