Common Name:

General Information

Tabebuia insignis varies in habit from a deciduous shrub or small tree when growing in savannah to a large tree up to 40 metres tall in swamp and marsh forests[]. The bole has a moderately poor form and a heavy taper above fluted buttresses that can be 3.5 metres tall; it can be 30 - 40cm in diameter and free of branches for around 15 metres[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its timber and local use as a medicine.
Tabebuia insignis is one of many species that are a source of Ipê, a valuable timber that is harvested in large quantities for trade. Threats to this species due to over-exploitation and destruction of its environment are continuing and may grow in the coming decades, therefore it is suspected that this species will experience a population decline of at least 25% over the next 100 years. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2021)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela, the Guyanas.

Habitat

A shrub or small tree in scrub savannah and savannah forest, or growing much larger in marsh and swamp forests; at elevations from near sea level to 1,700 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	25.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Newly planted young trees can reach a height of 2.5 metres within 2 years[].
Plants can commence flowering when only 1 metre tall[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark is used in the treatment of malaria[]. An infusion is used for treating skin diseases and syphilis[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A pioneer species in its native range, the seed germinating rapidly and young plants growing away quickly[]. It could have potential for use in reforestation projects[].

Other Uses

The heartwood is variously described as creamy, yellowish, or greyish brown or sometimes brownish, often with dark flecks showing on the surface; it is not clearly differentiated from the lighter coloured sapwood[]. The texture is medium; the grain fairly straight; the lustre moderately high; without distinctive odour or taste; and without the yellow powder (lapachon) found in other species in the lapachon group of Tabebuia[]. The wood is of medium weight, moderately hard, firm, strong and resilient but not very durable[]. Logs are reported to spring badly during conversion; dry lumber saws, planes, shapes, bores, mortises, and sands easily with smooth clean edges in all operations. It finishes and polishes very smoothly with a glossy finish[]. The wood is well suited for use in tool handles and for boat decking and boat parts, where high resistance to decay is not essential. It is used extensively for furniture, flooring, interior house trim, building construction, and general carpentry. In the areas where it grows it is also used for paddles and packing cases. On the basis of its qualities, this timber could be substituted for ash in sporting goods, agricultural implements, and possibly for decorative veneer[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe. Sow the seed in a semi-shaded position, either in individual containers or in a nursery seedbed. Germination rates are usually high, with the seed sprouting within 6 - 12 days[]. Nursery sown seedlings should be potted up into individual containers when 5 - 6cm tall. Seedlings develop quickly and are ready for planting out 4 - 5 months later[].

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