Markhamia lutea - Nile tulip

Markhamia lutea, nicknamed the Nile Tulip or Yellow Markhamia, is a small tropical tree with lush foliage and spectacular flowering originating from East Africa. Its yellow trumpet-shaped flowers bloom throughout summer. Not very tall, it can be grown in a container to adorn a terrace or patio in summer. In winter, it can be moved to a conservatory or a large greenhouse.

Markhamia lutea belongs to the Bignoniaceae family, just like Blue Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia). It is a tropical tree native to East Africa, specifically Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. It grows naturally in open forests and humid savannas on the high plateaus of these regions. There, it is appreciated both for its ornamental value and the shade it provides, along with its beautiful year-round foliage. This tree, with its slender habit and rounded crown, can reach 6 to 12 m in height in tropical climates but remains smaller when grown in a pot. In a 60-70-litre container, it may grow to 2-3 m tall. Its growth is rapid under optimal conditions. Its trunk is often short and has relatively smooth, grey-brown bark. The foliage of Markhamia lutea is highly ornamental. It consists of large pinnate leaves, which can measure up to 50 cm long. They are made up of several elongated ovate, bright green leaflets, giving the tree a distinctly tropical appearance. They persist year-round in its native range. This tree has a taproot and a spreading root system, allowing it to withstand seasonal drought periods. Its spectacular flowering occurs mainly in spring and summer. The terminal flower clusters are large (5-6 cm long) and display a stunning golden-yellow hue, sometimes streaked with red inside. They are trumpet-shaped and resemble those of the catalpa or the African tulip tree (Spathodea campanulata). They emit a light, sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies. After flowering, the tree produces up to 50cm long, pendulous pods. These woody capsules contain numerous winged seeds dispersed by the wind.

Markhamia lutea is not very hardy: it cannot tolerate temperatures below 5°C. It is therefore best grown in a container in our latitudes, allowing it to be overwintered in a conservatory or lightly heated greenhouse. It thrives in full sun and in rich, well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. One may attempt to acclimatise this "Nile Tulip" in the most sheltered gardens. Perfect for creating an exotic garden, it can be planted as a standalone specimen on a lawn or as a backdrop to a lush flower bed. In a container, it will transform a sunny terrace or courtyard. For a spectacular effect, pair it with Albizia julibrissin ‘Summer Chocolate’, whose purple foliage will highlight the golden brilliance of the Markhamia's flowers. It also pairs beautifully with Callistemon citrinus ‘Splendens’, whose bright red bottlebrush flowers add contrast and dynamism to the display. For an even more tropical feel, add a Strelitzia reginae, whose blue and orange flowers will perfectly complement the warm palette of Markhamia lutea.