Newbouldia laevis

This pretty fast growing medium-size tree is close related to popular Tabebuias. Leaves are lush, tropical looking, dark red and waxy. Flowers are tubular, pink, come in bunches, attract butterflies and bees. In Africa, the Akoko Tree is regarded as a sacred tree by the Yoruba, and a symbolic marker for sacred spots. This plant has many medicinal properties and is valued in Africa. The tree is relatively cold hardy and withstands some freeze without significant damage.