Candle Tree Flower
Parmentiera cereifera
The Candle Tree is a unique tropical tree famous for its bizarre candle-like fruits that hang from branches like freshly-dipped wax tapers. White bell-shaped flowers pollinated by moths and bats give way to extraordinary 2-4 foot long yellow fruits.
Bignoniaceae (Trumpet Vine family)
Year-round in tropical climates, primarily spring and summer
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: parmentieras and ixoras also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
The Candle Tree earns its name from fruits that look remarkably like long, yellow wax candles hanging from branches - some reaching 4 feet long. This extraordinary appearance has made it a beloved specimen in botanical gardens worldwide, symbolizing nature's endless creativity and capacity for wonder. The genus name honors French agronomist Antoine Augustin Parmentier (1737-1813), famous for promoting the potato in France. In Panama, where it's endemic, the tree represents national botanical heritage. The waxy appearance and unusual form make it a symbol of natural illumination and curiosity.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Moderate to regular watering; prefers consistent moisture
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile, Moist, Tolerates various soil types
Expert Growing Tips
Requires tropical or warm subtropical climate
Can be grown in large containers and moved indoors in cold climates
Flowers and fruits grow directly on trunk and branches (cauliflory)
Mature trees can produce hundreds of fruits
Fruits take several months to mature and ripen from green to yellow
Very low maintenance once established
Prefers full sun for best fruiting
Popular in botanical gardens worldwide
Pollinated by moths and bats at night
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Botanical garden specimen
- Conversation piece and curiosity plant
- Tropical landscape accent
- Educational displays
- Unique fruit production
- Container growing in warm greenhouses
Traditional Uses
- Fruits contain fiber and antioxidants (flavonoids)
- Contains tannins and saponins with potential health benefits
- Not traditionally used in herbal medicine
- Fruits are edible and nutritious
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Candle Tree Flower
why is it called candle tree?
It's called Candle Tree because its extraordinary fruits are elongated, cylindrical, and waxy, looking exactly like long yellow candles hanging from the branches - some up to 4 feet long!
are candle tree fruits edible?
Yes, Candle Tree fruits are edible with a mild, sweet-sour flavor reminiscent of bell peppers and sugarcane. The pale yellow flesh is fibrous, juicy, and contains edible seeds.
how long are candle tree fruits?
Candle Tree fruits typically grow 2-4 feet long (60-120 cm), with some reaching record lengths of 4 feet while remaining only about 1 inch wide, creating the candle appearance.
where can you see a candle tree?
Candle Trees can be seen at botanical gardens including Marie Selby Gardens (Sarasota), Fairchild Tropical Gardens (Coral Gables), and Fruit and Spice Park (Redland, FL).
what does candle tree symbolize?
Candle Tree symbolizes uniqueness, wonder, and nature's creativity. Its extraordinary candle-like fruits represent illumination, abundance, and the endless variety of tropical beauty.
how are candle tree flowers pollinated?
Candle Tree flowers are white and bell-shaped, blooming at night to attract nocturnal pollinators including moths and bats that visit for nectar.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Parmentiera
Parmentiera spp. (incl. P. aculeata, P. cereifera)
Parmentiera is a remarkable tropical tree from Central America, celebrated for its waxy, candle-like or cucumber-shaped fruits growing directly from the trunk and branches, accompanied by creamy, tubular flowers. It symbolizes abundance, nourishment, and the extraordinary generosity of the tropical world.
Ixora
Ixora coccinea
Ixora produces clusters of small, tubular flowers in vibrant colors, creating spectacular displays in tropical and subtropical gardens with year-round blooming potential.
Holmskioldia (Chinese Hat Flower)
Holmskioldia sanguinea
Holmskioldia produces unique tubular flowers sitting atop distinctive saucer-shaped calyxes, creating a "Chinese hat" appearance in vibrant orange, red, or yellow colors.