It is rainy season and the height of flowering for flamboyant trees. The bright red flowers of the flamboyant or flame tree can be seen from across the valley. This native of Madagascar has an umbrella shaped crown and is often planted near houses. The flowering begins a few weeks in advance of the rainy season. Its claim to fame in the dry season is the long pods that can be used as a rattle or a "shack shack". During the dry season the tree looses its leaves to conserve moisture.