Tabebuia species range from northern Mexico and the Antilles south to northern Argentina. Most species are on the islands of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti) and Cuba.
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This is a perfect tree for small yards and patio areas or for use in informal plantings. Its beauty provides interest and diversion to anyone who can appreciate the natural splendor around us.
The following is taken from Wild Trees in the Cayman Islands by Fred Burton, with illustrations by Penny Clifford; Photograph by Frank Roulstone.
Whitewood (Tabebuia heterophylla)
Whitewood is typically a tall, narrow tree with a straight trunk. The bark is rough, with deep vertical fissures: it is often marked with sharply contrasting whitish and sooty black patches of lichens
This is the only native tree with five leaflets radiating from the stalk of each leaf, but there are many closely related species of Tabebuia in cultivation, mostly known as different kind of ‘Poui’.
Whitewood has showy pink, bell shaped flowers, with a pale yellow throat inside. Once fallen they are conspicuous on the woodland floor, and are often eaten by iguanas.
The tree is partially deciduous tending to drop most of its leaves towards the end of the dry season. It often flowers on bare stems in April in anticipation of the first rains.
This tree is native throughout much of the Caribbean, and is found in rocky woodlands in all three of the Cayman Islands.
Its wood was used in building cat boats and schooners, and the forking smaller branches have been popular for making slingshots.
If the seeds are sown fresh from the opening pods, they are very fertile and will produce a large crop of these attractive trees. Commercial propagation of this, our own native ‘Poui,’ is to be encouraged.
Grow Cayman Plants and encourage Cayman Wildlife! For more information, to share your knowledge or if you would like to get involved with the many activities in the National Trust’s Know Your Islands Program, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.ky, or call 949-0121.
Last week’s answer: The Red Bat was first seen in the Cayman Islands in 1999 hanging alone in a Sweetwood tree in North Side.
Trivia question: What 4 species of sea turtles are known to occur in the Cayman Islands?
Look for the answer in next week’s feature!
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