Description

This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)

Tabebuia guayacan (Handroanthus guayacan) is a large tree which can reach 120 feet in height. It has a straight cylindrical trunk with stilt roots at the base. In addition, it has a tan to gray furrowed bark. The open crown is rounded with upright oblique branches. It is a valuable timber tree in central America with very hard wood. Its large green glossy leaves are opposite and palmate. Also, its leaves have 5 to 7 leaflets, up to 1 foot in length. Its yellow Flowers  are borne in clusters of 2 or 3 on the branch when the tree is out of leaves. Also, individual blooms are trumpet-shaped and about  3 to 4 inches long.

Furthermore, hummingbirds and insects are attracted to the flowers as pollinators. In addition, the fruits are cylindrical capsules, 1 to 2 feet long, containing winged seeds. Seeds or cuttings are used for propagation. Tabebuia guayacan is adapted to a range of soil types, if they are well drained.

As an ornamental tree, Tabebuia guayacan (Handroanthus guayacan) is a showy and outstanding plant when in flower. Because of its potential height, the tree should be planted in large open lawns or parks as a contrast to other plants or as a specimen. Tree size can be controlled by pruning.

Other names: Handroanthus guayacan, Tecoma guayacan, Tabebuia guayacan, Guayacán