Tabebuia rosea

Tabebuia rosea, common known as Trumpet Tree is native from Mexico to Venezuela. It is from the family Bignoniaceae.

Reaching a height of 35m, this medium to big tree which has a broadly conical and shady crown is deciduous.

Its leaves are oppositely arranged, palmately compound with 5 leaflets on each stalk. Each leaflet is about 5 - 22 cm in length and 2 - 11 cm in width. Frequently, leaves in the upper part of the tree crown fall earlier than those in the lower part.

The tree’s name comes from its large trumpet-shaped flowers, which ranges in colour from pink to white. The 5 petal flowers that measures 5 - 8 cm in length, are large and showy. The flowering of the Tabebuia is induced by a dry period, which is the period in April and August in Singapore. Blooms last for several days then wilt.

When they flowers fall, they retain their colour for a couple of days, forming a beautiful carpet of flowers around the tree. Pollination occurs probably by insects, although the flowers are visited by many birds such as tanagers, hummingbirds and orioles.

The fruits yellowish-golden in colour are elongated pods, which split open to released winged seeds. It is about 35cm in length. 

Seeds have winged features and are dispersed by wind. 

Bark is found to be anti-cancer.

Timber can be used for construction and furniture. Tea made from the leaves and bark is known to have a fever-reducing effect.