The African tulip tree’s native distribution covers Uganda. However, it is widely used as an ornamental all over the tropics because of its magnificent flowers.

The cup-shaped flowers collect water – where the African tulip tree occurs naturally the flowers of this plant are used among children in a similar manner as water guns. The nectar of the flowers also attracts pollinating birds. For example, in South America these ornamental trees have proven to be quite popular among nectar feeding hummingbirds. 

The African tulip tree is a prolific plant and seeds very abundantly. The seeds are spread by the wind and have a high rate of germination. The ability to germinate rapidly is a useful feature in a rainforest where competition for a place in the sun is fierce. Unfortunately, the tree’s prolific nature and wide use as an ornamental plant has led to it becoming an invasive species in some parts of the tropics. 

The soft but slowly decaying wood is used as a raw material for paper. The wood burns poorly and can therefore be used to make highly specialized products such as blacksmith bellows. Different parts of the plant have many medicinal uses.