Scientific name: Tabebuia heterophylla
Common names: Pink Trumpet Tree, Pink Tabebuia, White Cedar, White Cedarwood, Florida White Cedar, Pink Ipe, Pink Tecoma, Pink Trumpetwood, Pink Poui (though this name is more commonly associated with Tabebuia rosea), Rosy Trumpet Tree
Tabebuia heterophylla, commonly known as the Pink Trumpet Tree or White Cedar, is a species of flowering tree in the Bignoniaceae family. It is native to coastal areas of the Caribbean, including parts of Florida, the Bahamas, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. The tree is valued for its ornamental beauty, particularly its vibrant pink flowers, and is often cultivated for landscaping purposes.
Appearance:
- Pink Trumpet Trees are deciduous or semi-deciduous trees that can reach heights of up to 15 meters (50 feet) tall.
- The tree has a spreading crown with a dense arrangement of compound, palmately lobed leaves.
- The flowers of Tabebuia heterophylla are trumpet-shaped, ranging in color from pink to lavender or purple hues. They bloom in dense clusters, creating a spectacular display during the flowering season.
Habitat and Distribution:
- Tabebuia heterophylla is commonly found in coastal habitats, including coastal forests, mangroves, and beachside areas.
- It prefers well-drained sandy or rocky soils and can tolerate salt spray, making it well-suited to coastal environments.
- The species is native to the Caribbean region, including parts of Florida, the Bahamas, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other nearby islands.
Medicinal Uses:
While Tabebuia heterophylla is primarily valued for its ornamental beauty, it also has some traditional medicinal uses:
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Various parts of the tree, including the bark and leaves, are used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation and related conditions.
- Antioxidant Effects: Extracts from Tabebuia heterophylla have shown antioxidant activity in laboratory studies, which may have potential health benefits.
- Respiratory Ailments: In some traditional medicinal systems, preparations made from the bark or leaves of the Pink Trumpet Tree are used to alleviate symptoms of respiratory ailments such as coughs and bronchitis.
