Description

This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)

Tabebuia donnell-smithii (Primavera tree)  is one of the yellow-flowered tabebuias. Furthermore, this species name honors its discoverer.  John Donnell Smith, was an American botanist.

In central America, Primavera tree is a large timber tree with valuable wood. Its wood is used in furniture and molding.

The Primavera tree has a straight trunk and grows up to 100 feet tall. It also has a round crown with upright branches. The grayish bark is initially smooth but becomes furrowed with age. Also, its green leaves are opposite, compound and palmate. The leaves have with 5 to 7 leaflets. Meanwhile, the leaves measure 8 to 20 inches long. In addition, flowering takes place when the tree is leafless.  Eight inch-long clusters of bright yellow blooms will develop as clusters at branch ends. Individual flowers are trumpet-shaped about 1 inch wide. The yellow flowers attract insects and hummingbirds.

Furthermore, the fruit are narrow seed capsules. The capsule is about 16 inches long containing winged seeds. The Tabebuia donnell-smithii (Primavera tree) is propagated by seed or cuttings. Primavera grows best in well-drained soils, sand or clayey. It is a hardy tree and invades pastures in its native area. When young the tree needs pruning to prevent weediness. As a landscape tree, it can be used along roads or streets, but is best grown in large areas which can accommodate its large potential size.

Other Names: syn. Roseodendron donnell-smithii

P.S Primavera means Spring in Spanish