Handroanthus impetiginosus. Pink trumpet tree
Native to the Tucuman-Oranian jungle in northern Argentina, it grows the provinces of Catamarca, Jujuy, Salta and Tucumán; it also belongs to the flora of Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay.
Originally called Tabebuia avellanedae, the species was dedicated by botanist Pablo Lorentz to Dr. Nicolás Avellaneda, a prominent statesman and promoter of science in Argentina.
Handroanthus impetiginosus (2021-10-07)Botanic Garden of the City of Buenos Aires "Carlos Thays"
This deciduous tree that reaches 20 m in height has a great forest value.
Handroanthus impetiginosus (2021-10-07)Botanic Garden of the City of Buenos Aires "Carlos Thays"
In the Pampean area, it blooms as soon as spring begins, embellishing urban areas with its colors.
Handroanthus impetiginosus (2021-09-29)Botanic Garden of the City of Buenos Aires "Carlos Thays"
In the north of Argentina, it blooms before the end of winter, still with dark, leafless branches, thus offering a beautiful natural spectacle.
Legend has it that lapacho seeds were given to the Guarani Indians by Tupá, their god, who promised them that these trees would always be a symbol of their strength and of the territories that belonged to them. That is why the Guarani call it the Yvaga (paradise) tree.
Its pink (or white) flowers, with a yellow cup, have a tubular shape, typical of the bignoniaceae. Gathered in terminal inflorescences, they are the main attraction of the species, and their pink tints are variable, from lighter to darker.
Its wood is valuable and has been used for all kinds of usable objects and tools since the original cultures.
Popular medicine in South America, particularly in the Andean areas and Brazil, also uses it to treat sepsis and tumor conditions, using active substances obtained from wood and bark.
Handroanthus sp. (2019-09-16)Botanic Garden of the City of Buenos Aires "Carlos Thays"
Ornamental in urban spaces, it was incorporated into the Buenos Aires urban tree stand in the 1940s, with a significant increase in the number of specimens in the city's avenues and green spaces in the early 21st century.
Handroanthus sp. (0019-09-16)Botanic Garden of the City of Buenos Aires "Carlos Thays"
Inflorescences in the tree crown
Handroanthus sp. (2016-09-16)Botanic Garden of the City of Buenos Aires "Carlos Thays"
Although the tree is mainly associated with the pink color, it is not the only one its flowers can take.
Handroanthus sp. (2019-09-16)Botanic Garden of the City of Buenos Aires "Carlos Thays"
Some Handroanthus varieties have yellow flowers...
with red tones down the cup.
Interested in Natural history?
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