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25 gal Lonchocarpus Violaceus (Lancepod)25 gal Lonchocarpus Violaceus (Lancepod)

Lonchocarpus Violaceus

Lancepod

Description

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Lonchocarpus Violaceus (Lancepod) is a medium-sized tree up to 30 feet. It has a short trunk with smooth brown bark and a dense crown of slightly droopy branches. Moreover, the leaves are evergreen, pinnate, smooth, dark green above, paler beneath, to 8 inches long. Also, the leaflets are ovate, parchment-like, round at the base, and 1/4 inch long. Flowers are borne in erect clusters, 6-10 inches long, made up of sweetly-fragrant, pea-like lavender blooms resembling lilacs, and attracting bees. Fruits are lance-shape, pods, 2 1/2 x 1 inch, changing from green to light brown when mature, containing a single kidney-shape brown seed. Lancepod takes its common name from the fruit shape; seeds are used for propagation. The leaves contain an active poison, the base for an organic insecticide; in Central America the brew the mark to make balche, a intoxicating beverage.

Furthermore, other parts of the plant are also poisonous and honey from the flowers may be dangerous to consume. Lonchocarpus Violaceus (Lancepod) is a hardy tree that grows on a range of poor soils, if well-drained. Despite the precautions associate with the lancepod, it is a very attractive tree with lacy leaves and strikingly colored flowers. In landscaping it is a great as a specimen, accent or shade tree or shrub in gardens and parks, in civic centers, in large planters, and in xerophytic gardens.

Additional information

Common Name

Lancepod, Lilac Tree

Florida Native

No, Not FL Native

Origin

South America, West Indies, West Indies, South America

Flowering Season

Spring

Salt Tolerance

Moderate Salt Tolerance

Drought Tolerance

High Drought Tolerance

Growth Rate

Moderate Growth Rate

Light Requirements

Full Sun

Flower Color

Lavender

Shape

Wide Canopy

Plant Type

Evergreen, Flowering

Gallons

25 gal., 45 gal., 65 gal., 100 gal., 200 gal., 300 gal.