Nile tulip (markhamia) Markhamia lutea
Nile tulip (markhamia) (Markhamia lutea) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Bignoniaceae family, native to East and Central Africa. It grows 8–15 m (26–49 ft) tall and 3–6 m (10–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
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Nile tulip (markhamia) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Bignoniaceae |
| Mature height | 8–15 m (26–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 156–261 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | East and Central Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇪🇹 Ethiopia |
Is Nile tulip (markhamia) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Nile tulip (markhamia)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Nile tulip (markhamia)
- How far apart should I plant Nile tulip (markhamia)?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–6 m (10–20 ft).
- Does Nile tulip (markhamia) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Nile tulip (markhamia) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Nile tulip (markhamia)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Nile tulip (markhamia) flower?
- About 156–261 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks.
- Is Nile tulip (markhamia) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Nile tulip (markhamia)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Nile tulip (markhamia). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PROTA4U: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, PROTA Foundation, Wageningen
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- A slender, upright tree for small gardens and avenues; long twisted seed pods.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Trumpet vine Campsis radicans
- Jacaranda Jacaranda mimosifolia
- Pink trumpet tree (ipê) Handroanthus impetiginosus
- African tulip tree (Nandi flame) Spathodea campanulata
- Desert willow Chilopsis linearis
- Indian bean tree (southern catalpa) Catalpa bignonioides
- Rosy trumpet tree (chomphu phanthip) Tabebuia rosea