The hummingbird tree, also known as the trumpet tree or handkerchief tree, is a beautiful and popular ornamental tree that produces bright red flowers resembling hummingbird beaks. While the vibrant flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, some people wonder if parts of the hummingbird tree are edible for humans as well. The hummingbird tree has some edible parts, but also contains toxic compounds that require caution.
Botanical Description
The hummingbird tree is a medium-sized tropical tree belonging to the Bignoniaceae family. Its botanical name is Spathodea campanulata. Other common names include African tulip tree, fountain tree, pichkari tree, Nandi flame, and Rhodesian creeper. Native to tropical forests of Africa, it is now widely planted in tropical and subtropical regions globally.
The tree grows up to 35-40 feet tall with a spreading, open, umbrella-shaped canopy. The leaves are large, shiny, oval-shaped, and bright green in color. The flowers are tubular-shaped and brightly colored red, orange, or yellow. Flowering occurs in summer and the tree will remain in bloom for several months, attracting hummingbirds with its nectar-rich blossoms. The fruits are long, narrow seed pods that split open when ripe. Inside are numerous flat winged seeds.
Edible Parts
While the hummingbird tree is toxic overall, two parts of the tree can be eaten – the flowers and the seeds. However, these should always be consumed in moderation.
Flowers
The bright, tubular flowers can be eaten. They have a sweet nectar taste. The flowers can be eaten raw by plucking right off the tree once the petals open. Simply suck out the nectar or eat the whole flowers. The flowers make a decorative and tasty addition to salads and desserts. However, only consume the flowers in small quantities, as they may cause stomach upset if too many are eaten.
Seeds
The winged seeds inside the long seed pods are edible once they turn completely brown and dry. The seed coat should be removed and the inner white cotyledons can be eaten raw or cooked. They reportedly have a nutty flavor. The seeds can be roasted and eaten like chestnuts. Again, only eat the seeds occasionally in moderation.
Toxicity
While the flowers and seeds may provide a tasty nibble, other parts of the hummingbird tree are toxic to humans including the leaves, bark, roots, and stem.
Leaves and Stems
The leaves and stems of Spathodea campanulata contain toxic compounds called saponins and alkylresorcinols. Saponins produce soap-like foaming in water. These compounds make the leaves and stems toxic, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. Saponins likely serve as a chemical defense to help protect the plant against insects and fungi.
Bark and Roots
The bark and roots also contain toxic saponins and tannins. Certain African tribes historically used crushed bark or roots to poison fish or tip hunting arrows. These plant parts can cause severe illness and should never be eaten.
Toxicity Symptoms
Consuming the toxic leaves, bark, roots, or stems can cause the following symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps and pain
- Dizziness
- Weakness and fatigue
- Trembling
- Hypotension – low blood pressure
- Slowed heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
- Numbness in mouth and throat
- Unconsciousness
Seek immediate medical help after ingesting any part of the hummingbird tree other than the flowers and seeds.
Safe Consumption Tips
Here are some recommendations for safely consuming the edible parts of the hummingbird tree:
- Eat only the red tubular flowers. Start with just 1-2 flowers to test for any reaction.
- Avoid damaged, wilted, or discolored flowers.
- Wash flowers thoroughly before eating.
- Consume flowers in moderation, 1-2 per day maximum.
- Only eat the seeds inside mature, dried seed pods.
- Remove the seed coat before eating the white inner seed.
- Roast seeds for the best flavor and to neutralize toxins.
- Limit seed intake to a handful per day.
- Drink plenty of water to flush out any toxins.
- See a doctor immediately if symptoms like nausea, cramps, or numbness develop.
Nutrition
The hummingbird tree flowers and seeds provide some nutritional value:
Flowers
- Water – Composed primarily of water.
- Carbohydrates – Mainly glucose, fructose, and sucrose from flower nectar.
- Vitamin C – Small amounts of this antioxidant vitamin.
- Phytochemicals – Carotenoids and flavonoids with health benefits.
- Calories – Very low calorie, about 5 calories per flower.
Seeds
- Fiber – Both soluble and insoluble fiber.
- Protein – Seeds contain some plant-based protein.
- Fat – Mainly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.
- Vitamins – Small amounts of B vitamins.
- Minerals – Including iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.
- Antioxidants – Seeds are high in antioxidant phenolic acids.
- Calories- Seeds are higher in calories than flowers, around 25-30 per tablespoon.
So while not a significant source of nutrients, the flowers and seeds can provide a small nutritional boost along with exotic flavor.
Medicinal Uses
In folk medicine, various parts of the hummingbird tree have been used to treat a wide array of ailments. However, these applications are not proven scientifically and parts beyond the flowers and seeds should not be ingested due to toxicity concerns. Reported traditional uses include:
- Leaves – Treating skin diseases, rheumatic pain, microbial infections.
- Bark – For dysentery, hypertension, diarrhea, menstrual issues.
- Roots – As an emetic, lactagogue, fever reducer, diuretic.
- Flowers – Sore throats, coughs, chest congestion.
Again, these medicinal applications are not verified and ingesting any part of the plant besides the flowers and seeds is not advised. The plant’s toxins likely outweigh any potential benefits. Consult a doctor before using the hummingbird tree medicinally.
Growing Hummingbird Trees
The hummingbird tree thrives in tropical climates and does well in USDA zones 10-12. It can be grown as an ornamental for its flowers or a shade tree in warm regions. Here are some tips for growing hummingbird trees:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-draining, fertile soil.
- Provide regular watering and protect from frost when young.
- Fertilize 3-4 times per year in spring and summer.
- Prune every 2-3 years to maintain shape.
- Propagate from fresh seeds or semi-ripe cuttings.
- Watch for pests like leaf miners, caterpillars, and scale.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
With the right care and climate, the hummingbird tree will reward you with months of vibrant flowers and tropical appeal.
Risks of Eating Hummingbird Tree
While the flowers and seeds of the hummingbird tree are edible in small amounts, eating other parts of the plant is very risky due to toxicity. Potential dangers include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea – Stomach irritation from saponins.
- Electrolyte imbalance – Excessive vomiting and diarrhea can cause electrolyte/fluid loss.
- Low blood pressure – Toxins may impact heart rate and blood pressure.
- Liver damage – The plant’s pyrrolizidine alkaloids are linked to liver injury.
- Numbness and tingling – Mouth, tongue, and throat numbness are common symptoms.
- Respiratory failure – In severe cases, breathing may be impaired.
- coma – Neurotoxins in the plant can cause loss of consciousness.
- Death – While rare, death can occur from ingesting toxic plant parts.
Consuming any part of the tree besides the flowers and seeds is not recommended due to these risks. Seek emergency medical treatment if poisoning symptoms develop after eating the leaves, bark, roots, or stems.
Non-Edible Uses
While most of the hummingbird tree is toxic to humans, the plant has been utilized in non-edible ways including:
Ornamental Landscaping
With its exotic flowers that bloom almost year-round and its spreading canopy shape, the hummingbird tree is ideal for tropical landscaping. It is very attractive to pollinators as well. Plant it as a decorative focal point.
Timber
The pale yellowish wood is lightweight and easy to work. It is used for making furniture, cabinets, canoes, toys, and novelties. However, the wood is prone to insect damage and fungal rot over time.
Paper Pulp
The wood fibers produce low-quality paper pulp and are mainly used for newsprint, tissue, and cardboard. The leaves can also be processed into paper.
Tannin
The bark contains tannins which are used for tanning hides and preserving fishing nets. However, overharvesting the tree for tannin is a concern.
Fiber
The inner bark provides a strong, durable fiber for making rope, twine, and coarse cloth. The roots yield a yellow dye.
So while the hummingbird tree has limited edible parts, its beauty and utility provide many other reasons to grow this tropical favorite.
FAQs
Is the hummingbird tree poisonous?
Yes, most parts of the hummingbird tree are poisonous, including the leaves, bark, stems, and roots. Only the red tubular flowers and the seeds inside the pods are edible for humans.
What part of the trumpet tree can you eat?
The flowers and seeds are the only edible parts of the hummingbird or trumpet tree. Consume the nectar-rich red flowers and the nutty seeds inside mature seed pods. Avoid the leaves, bark, stems, and roots which contain toxic saponins and tannins.
Are trumpet trees native to Florida?
No, the trumpet tree or hummingbird tree is not native to Florida. It is native to tropical regions of Africa and was introduced to Florida and other warm climates as an ornamental plant. It has naturalized in some areas.
Why are trumpet trees bad?
Trumpet trees are considered an invasive species in some tropical regions outside their native range in Africa. They spread aggressively by seeds and can displace native plant species. Their broad root systems can damage sidewalks and foundations. The trees also litter the ground heavily with leaves, flowers, and seed pods.
How fast do hummingbird trees grow?
In ideal tropical conditions, the hummingbird tree is a fast grower, reaching up to 35-40 feet tall and 20-25 feet wide within just 5-8 years. Growth rate slows as the tree matures. To keep it smaller, prune the tree every 2-3 years.
Conclusion
With its vibrant red flowers that attract hummingbirds, it’s easy to see why the aptly named hummingbird tree is a popular ornamental plant. But which parts of this flowering tree are actually safe for humans to eat? While the leaves, bark, stems, and roots contain toxic compounds like saponins, the flowers and seeds are edible in moderation. Suck the nectar from the bright blooms and roast the seeds for a tasty, nutritious snack. Just be sure not to overindulge due to the presence of mild toxins. As an ornamental or shade tree in the landscape, the hummingbird tree provides beauty and wildlife habitat without putting edibility to the test. With the right climate and care, this exotic African native makes a stellar addition to any tropical garden.
