Without fail, every summer my phone would ring, and the caller would start speaking without announcing himself. There was no mistaking Son Mitchell’s voice, nor the immense pride as he said;
“Gurl, you see my flamboyants?”
Of course I had seen Son’s flamboyants, as well as those scattered in abundance throughout the island; there’s no missing the incredible brilliance of the trees, with their vibrant colours forming stunning tropical canopies, and I often stop in my tracks to admire such natural beauty. Evidently the flamboyant tree stands for pride, hope and rest, but I prefer to give it the human definition of flamboyance, which means to dress and behave in a noticeable fashion!
Flamboyant trees, also known as royal poinciana or flame trees, bloom in the summer and are a spectacular sight. Most of the trees on Bequia have bright red blossoms, but golden and tangerine-coloured flowers exist too. The trees are large and grow quickly, offering dappled shade from the hot tropical sun as well as wide-spread branches perfect for climbing.
Flamboyant flowers have six delicate petals, and they grow in tight clusters between fern-like leaves and green pods. The pods grow to be about a foot and a half long, and contain seeds that are supposedly edible. When the pods dry and turn brown the seeds rattle inside, and can be used as shak-shaks, the local equivalent of maracas, to make music. These natural instruments provide a fun beat and are incredibly easy to play – all you have to do is shake shake shake!
The other day Nik and I made a point of driving down the Frangipani road to take pictures of Son’s flamboyants, but pictures don’t come close to doing the trees justice – they have to be seen in all their glory to get a full picture of how truly majestic they are. Son Mitchell is no longer with us but his flamboyant trees certainly are, and their glory is a testament to the man’s love for gardening.
I miss Son’s phone calls. I can almost hear his voice, full of excitement, saying;
“Gurl, you see my flamboyants?”
I no longer have the chance to give him my reply but, in my head, I whisper;
“Of course, Son, and have you seen MINE?”
My flamboyant trees are in full bloom plus it’s mango season! Who could possibly ask for more?
Love the story and pics of the Flamboyants. I have only rarely seen them in person as I am usually on Bequia in the winter season but I have been made happy with pictures sent to me when they are in bloom.
Wonderful! A testimony to what’s important in life!
Tears are pouring down my face after reading this. Thank you and please keep these stories coming!
I miss that. I still have my Shak-Shak from 40+ years ago. Garnished in red green and gold paint of course. When I first opened my eyes the morning after arriving in St Lucia Dec 13 1974 there was a Poncietta outside the window. Huge pods! I thought I was on another planet. Thanks for the memories!