Tiputree (Tipuana tipu, Revis. Gen. Pl. 3(2): 72 (1898))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (Benth.) Kuntze

Bibliography: Revis. Gen. Pl. 3(2): 72 (1898)

Year: 1898

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Tipuana

Vegetable: False

Observations: Bolivia to S. Brazil and N. Argentina

Description

The Tiputree, scientifically named Tipuana tipu, is a majestic and vibrant flowering tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Native to the regions ranging from Bolivia to Southern Brazil and Northern Argentina, this splendid tree has garnered attention for both its aesthetic appeal and practical uses.

The Tiputree stands out with its broad canopy of lush, green foliage that provides ample shade. Its most striking feature, however, is the profusion of golden-yellow flowers that adorn the tree in clusters, typically blooming in the spring. These bright blossoms not only add a burst of color to urban and rural landscapes but also attract a variety of pollinators, contributing to the ecological balance.

One of the notable adaptabilities of Tipuana tipu is its resilience and ability to thrive in various soil types, making it a popular choice for reforestation projects and urban landscaping. Its hardy nature allows it to endure periods of drought, and it has a remarkable ability to fix nitrogen, enriching the soil and promoting the growth of neighboring plants.

The Tiputree’s wood is equally esteemed, known for its durability and versatility in woodworking. It has been traditionally used for various purposes, including construction, furniture making, and crafting tools, thanks to its strength and workability.

Tiputree’s study and classification were meticulously detailed by the botanist Kuntze in the revision of plant genera in 1898. This comprehensive work has served as a foundational reference for botanists and horticulturists, further solidifying the tree’s place in botanical literature.

In summary, Tipuana tipu is a tree of significant ecological and economic value. Its stunning appearance, coupled with its practical benefits, makes it a cherished species in its native regions and beyond.

Common Names

Por: pau-sangue, tipuana
Spa: tipa, tipa blanca, tipa-of-peru
Eng: tipa, tipa blanca, tiputree
Afr: tipoeboom
Swe: tipu
En: Tiputree, Tipa, Rosewood, Tipu, Brazilian rosewood, Pride-of-Bolivia, Tipu tree, Tipa blanca
Af: Tipoeboom, Tipoe
He: מכנף נאה, Tipu fine
Pt: Pau sangue, Pau-sangue, Tipuana
Es: Tipa, Tipa blanca, Tipa-of-peru
Sv: Tipu

Synonyms

• Tipuana tipa (Lillo)
• Machaerium fertile (Griseb.)
• Tipuana speciosa (Benth.)
• Machaerium tipu (Benth.)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Iraq (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Malawi (introduced)
• New Guinea (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Uganda (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Aug 27, 2022 by Acosta García Isabel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 19, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 13, 2020 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 6, 2019 by Jan Regouin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2021 by Jean-Paul Jean-Paul (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2020 by Man_Roman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2019 by Moraes Ana Paula (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 6, 2019 by Jan Regouin (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2021 by Luque carlos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2021 by Perales Egea (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2019 by Garcia Justo Luis Alberto (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Dec 5, 2022 by C Kevin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 19, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2019 by Moraes Ana Paula (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 6, 2022 by شهاب الدين جابر (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2019 by Jean Vacher (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2022 by C Kevin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2019 by Moraes Ana Paula (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Dec 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Dec 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Dec 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 22, 2022 by Helena Del Pozo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Michel GAUBERT (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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:254607-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5352512)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Tipuana tipu (Benth.) Kuntze)

Specifications

Growth