A large tropical African tree, Spathodea campanulata (family Bignoniaceae), with bright red flowers, widely grown in tropical climates for ornament and as a shade tree.
Origin
Late 19th century.
Definition of African tulip tree in US English:
African tulip tree
noun
A large tropical African tree, Spathodea campanulata (family Bignoniaceae), with bright red flowers, widely grown in tropical climates for ornament and as a shade tree.