Tabebuia impetiginosa, Handroanthus heptaphyllus, Handroanthus impetiginosus, Tabebuia avellanedae

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Close

Tabebuia impetiginosa (Dwarf Pink Tabebuia) is a deciduous tree that can reach a height of 10-20 ft (in native conditions can be much taller). It grows best in full sun and requires little care, needing only a moderate amount of regular water once established. This attractive species is often planted in warm climates to attract hummingbirds and butterflies due to its brightly colored flowers.

Tabebuia impetiginosa is a small tree that is leafless when in flower. The bright rose-pink to light purple flowers may completely cover the tree in spring, making it a great choice for small yards or potting culture.

However, Tabebuia impetiginosa is thrives in USDA Zone 9-11. In cold regions, it's best to grow it in a container that can be brought indoors during periods of freezing temperatures. When grown in a pot, it's important to avoid overwatering as the roots can rot in soggy soil.

Overall, Tabebuia impetiginosa is an easy plant to grow and maintain, making it a great choice for hot weather gardens. Its drought tolerance and beautiful flowers make it an attractive option for gardens that don't require too much attention. Best of all, its showy blooms will attract many pollinators throughout the blooming season.

Tabebuia is a genus containing around 100 species widely used in hot-weather gardens. The name Tabebuia comes from a native Brazilian word meaning "ant wood". This is because ants live in the hollow dead twigs of the plant.

Tabebuia impetiginosa is highly valuable medicinal tree. The bark and wood of the tree are used externally and internally. Bark contains chemical compounds called naphthoquinone such as lapachol, as well as a significant amount of antioxidant quercetin. Pau DArco (Taheebo) bark is brewed to make a smooth, earthy, and subtly sweet tea.

The tea has a long and well-documented history of use by the indigenous people of South America, many reports predating the Incas. South American tribes living thousands of miles apart have employed it for the same medicinal purposes for hundreds of years, including malaria, anemia, colitis, respiratory problems, colds, cough, flu, fungal infections, fever, arthritis and rheumatism, snakebite, poor circulation, boils, and cancer.

Other names: Iperoxo, Bignonia heptaphylla, Gelsemium avellaneda, Tabebuia nicaraguensis, Tecoma adenophylla, Acapro, Alumbre, Hakia, Guayacan polvillo, Bastard lignum vitae, South American Oak, Ironwood (for its strength), Bethabara, Madera negra, Canaguate, Bow Stick/Tree, Pau d'Arco ("bow wood" because it is so strong and flexible that it is good for carving bows), Capitaray, Surinam Greeheart (because its wood shimmers between green, yellow and brown), Carobeira, Chicala, Coralibe, Taheebo, Tahuari, Cortez, Taji, Ebano verde, Flor Amarillo, Tamura, Verdecillo

Similar plants:

• Handroanthus chrysotrichus, Tabebuia chrysotricha, Tabebuia chrysantha (Dwarf Golden Tabebuia)
• Tabebuia alba, Tecoma alba (Lapacho Amarillo)
• Tabebuia angustata (Roble Blanco, Blushing Bride, Narrow Trumpet Tree, White Wood)
• Tabebuia bahamensis, Tabebuia turquinensis, Tabebuia affinis, Tabebuia leonis (Dwarf Bahamian Trumpet Tree, Five Fingers)
• Tabebuia caraiba, Tabebuia argentea (Silver Trumpet Tree)
• Tabebuia haemantha, Bignonia haemantha (Blood-Red Trumpet Tree, Roble Cimarron, Roble Cimmaron)
• Tabebuia heterophylla (Pink Trumpet Tree)
• Tabebuia pallida, Tabebuia heterophylla subsp. pallida (White Wood, Pale Pink Trumpet Tree)
• Tabebuia riparia (White Tabebuia)
• Tabebuia rosea (Rosy Trumpet Tree, Pink Poui, Pink Tecoma Tree)