Family: Bignoniaceae
Author: (Silva Manso) Benth. & Hook.f. ex S.Moore
Bibliography: Trans. Linn. Soc. London, Bot. 4: 423 (1895)
Year: 1895
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Tabebuia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Peru to Brazil and N. Argentina
Description
The Caribbean trumpet-tree, scientifically known as Tabebuia aurea, is a remarkable and eye-catching tree species renowned for its vibrant yellow flowers. This splendid tree belongs to the family Bignoniaceae, a family celebrated for its ornamental members.
First described in the late 19th century by deeply respected botanists (Silva Manso) Benth. & Hook.f. ex S. Moore, as documented in the esteemed publication “Transactions of the Linnean Society of London, Botany”, the Caribbean trumpet-tree has become well-known for more than just its botanical classification.
Geographically, the range of this mesmerizing tree stretches from Peru to Brazil and reaches as far south as northern Argentina. In these regions, it has become an integral part of the landscape, admired for its resilience and adaptable nature.
The Caribbean trumpet-tree can significantly impact the local ecology. Its striking, tubular yellow flowers not only add splashes of color to its natural surroundings but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. This pollination is crucial for sustaining the biodiversity of the habitats where the tree thrives.
Tabebuia aurea is also valued for its ornamental use in parks, gardens, and urban settings due to its relatively modest size, making it suitable for such environments. Its beautiful blooms, coupled with its unique trumpet-like shape, offer aesthetic appeal and practical benefits, such as providing shade and improving air quality.
In conclusion, the Caribbean trumpet-tree is a botanical marvel, deeply rooted in the ecosystems of South America with substantial ornamental and ecological contributions. Its historical botanical documentation and vibrant presence continue to captivate both botanists and plant enthusiasts alike, highlighting its importance and enduring beauty.
Common Names
Eng: caribbean trumpet-tree, silver trumpet-tree, tree-of-gold, yellow tabebuia
Por: caraiba, cinco-folhas-do-campo, ipe, ipe-amarelo, pao-d’arco, paratudo
En: Caribbean trumpet-tree, Silver trumpet-tree, Tree-of-gold, Yellow tabebuia
Pt: Caraiba, Cinco-folhas-do-campo, Ipe, Ipe-amarelo, Pao-d’arco, Paratudo
Synonyms
- Tecoma argentea (Bureau & K.Schum.)
- Tecoma trichocalycina (DC.)
- Tecoma squamellulosa (DC.)
- Handroanthus caraiba ((Mart.) Mattos)
- Tabebuia caraiba ((Mart.) Bureau)
- Couralia caraiba ((Mart.) Corr.Méllo ex Stellfeld)
- Tabebuia argentea ((Bureau & K.Schum.) Britton)
- Handroanthus leucophloeus ((Mart. ex DC.) Mattos)
- Tecoma caraiba var. squamellulosa (Bureau & K.Schum.)
- Tecoma caraiba (Mart.)
- Bignonia squamellulosa (DC.)
- Gelseminum caraiba ((Mart.) Kuntze)
- Tecoma leucophlaeos (Mart. ex DC.)
- Tabebuia suberosa (Rusby)
- Bignonia aurea (Silva Manso)
- Tecoma caraiba var. grandiflora (Hassl.)
- Tecoma aurea ((Silva Manso) DC.)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Leeward Is. (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Apr 12, 2022 by Frederick Henderson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 9, 2022 by Naushad BM (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 6, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Maquiavelito (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 16, 2020 by Salah Taleb bahmed (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Feb 21, 2021 by Arvind Kulkarni (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 31, 2022 by Germain Germain Vital (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 6, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 22, 2022 by ColdPizza 🍕 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 27, 2021 by sanketh kulkarni (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Nov 27, 2021 by sanketh kulkarni (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 19, 2022 by Joyry Binoya (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 30, 2021 by Joyry Binoya (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Maquiavelito (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2022 by Xiomarys Ortiz (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Sep 14, 2020 by Christine Edwards (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 21, 2022 by Tóth Bence (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2022 by Cassie Clay (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2022 by Xiomarys Ortiz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Maquiavelito (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Apr 5, 2022 by Tharunoju Laxman kumar (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4091191)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:110852-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Tabebuia aurea (Silva Manso) Benth. & Hook.f. ex S.Moore)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Tree