Common Name:

General Information

Tabebuia nodosa is a deciduous tree with an open, vase-shaped crown; it usually grows around 5 - 8 metres tall, though can reach up to 15 metres. The bole can be 20 - 30cm in diameter, with a thick, cracked bark[, , ].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. It can be used as a pioneer when restoring native woodland and has an exuberant flowering display so can be grown as an ornamental in landscaping, as a street tree etc[].
Tabebuia nodosa has a high population and a wide distribution, Even though its native range has been suffering high deforestation rates due to conversion of natural land into pastures, the species is not at present considered to be at threat. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2021)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - northern Argentina, Paraguay, southwest Brazil, Bolivia.

Habitat

A tree of secondary forest growth, often self-sowing in open land and along the sides of roads[]. Often the dominant species in labonales; in Paraguay (flooded forests in land depressions rich in clay[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Mainly found in the subtropics, the tree enters the tropics in Brazil and Bolivia, where it is usually found at elevations below 600 metres, but can ascend to just over 1,000 metres.
Grows best in a sunny position[].
The tree has a moderate rate of growth, reaching a height of around 2 metres within two years from seed[].
The tree resprouts freely from the base after being felled[].
There is a belief in Brazil that when the tree flowers then it will rain[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

This tree is unusual in the genus for being without any lapachol in its wood. Lapachol has acquired a high reputation for its medicinal uses[, ].

This species (part not specified) has anti-bacterial properties, and has also been used as a galactogen to stimulate the production of milk in nursing women[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree resprouts freely after being cut down, has a relatively fast rate of growth and is tolerant of full sun. It can be grown as a pioneer when restoring native woodland[].
There is a popular belief that rain can be predicted using this species, since it flowers a few days before the rain[].

Other Uses

The wood is fine-textured, cross-grained, moderately heavy, with moderate mechanical properties, not very durable. It is only used locally, for purposes such as boards, linings etc[].
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal[, ].

Propagation

Seed - it has a short viability and so is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sunny position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate in excess of 80% can usually be expected, with the seed sprouting within a few days[]. When the seedlings are 4 - 6cm tall, pot them up into individual containers and they should be ready to plant out 4 - 5 months later[].

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