Growing almost everywhere on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas, this is a hard tree to miss, especially when it is in flower. Tabebuia bahamensis is similar in its appearance to its close kin T. heterophylla. However, T. bahamensis distinguishes itself from T. heterophylla with smaller leaves, and with leaflets that are slenderer, and green above and strongly whitish below. It is a slim and trim tree, with a small trunk, and delicate upright branches, and thus a striking contrast to its larger, more robust relative. T. bahamensis will do quite well on well-drained, alkaline, or acidic soils. It is briefly deciduous in the spring just before peak flowering. It begins flowering as it releafs. If water-stressed, the leafless period is more pronounced. A spotty flowerer, it may bloom intermittently during the year. T. bahamensis seeds germinate about three weeks after sowing. Its early growth is fast in moist well drained soils, roughly 70 inches in two years. A young tree begins flowering about two to three years after germination, but it will be a couple more years before it truly becomes a 'flowering' tree. It would make an ideal tree for patios. Briefly Deciduous just before flowering. Drought Tolerance: High. Nutritional requirements: Low. Potential Pests: Thrips. Typical Dimensions: 12'x8'.
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