Bignoniaceae Tabebuia heterophylla (DC.) Britton

| |	© W.D. Hawthorne

Keywords in this picture :

• Inflorescence
• Flower & fruit
• Plant parts

Places where this species can be found :

• Lance aux Epines - GRENADA
• Morne Gazo - GRENADA
• Levera National Park - GRENADA
• La Sagesse - GRENADA
• Concord Falls - GRENADA
• Mt. Hartman Estate - GRENADA

Species information

Description
Twigs have whitish scales; leaflets in 1s (especially at base of branches), 3s or 5s, 1-16cm long. There is massive scope for confusion with the very similar (and probably overlapping or hybrising) Tabebuia pallida, which has been treated by some as a mere variety. T.pallisa has 1-3 larger leaflets and petioles 4-6cm long rather than 6-10 cm long.

Interest
Tabebuia - from native Brazilian name, tabebuia or taiaveruia. Used for boat building. The bark of many species of Tabebuia contains the (napthoquinone) Lapachol and related compounds, which have been used as cancer cures. Widely cultivated as an ornamental, the wood last well in saltwater. On Dominica a plaster of tge barks is sued to cure corns and the leaves are put on sores. The leaves and bark have been used as a cure for colds in St. Cristopher. The bright yellow flowers of T. donnell-smithii are sometimes seen in gardens.

Specimen information

Collection Date
25/06/2001

Collector
W.D. Hawthorne, S.Cable & D. Jules

Specimen Number
671

Location
Grenadan Dove Nature Reserve.

Notes
Tree 25 m tall. FLOWERS: yellow.

Coordinates
Latitude: 12.030000 N   Longitude: 61.450000 W   Altitude: 10