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Description
Handroanthus Chrysanthus, also known as Tabebuia chrysanthus, is an ornamental tree belonging to the family Bignoniaceae. It is native to South America, particularly Brazil, and is widely cultivated for its showy yellow flowers. The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a dense, round crown. Its leaves are compound and glossy, with a length of up to 30 centimeters. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, with a diameter of up to 8 centimeters, and bloom in large clusters in spring.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Bignoniaceae |
| Genus | Handroanthus |
| Species | Chrysanthus |
Appearance
Handroanthus Chrysanthus is a large, deciduous tree with a dense, round crown. Its bark is grayish-brown and smooth when young, but becomes rough and fissured with age. The leaves are compound, with 5-7 leaflets that are glossy and lanceolate in shape. They are dark green in color and can grow up to 30 centimeters long. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and have a diameter of up to 8 centimeters. They are bright yellow in color and bloom in large clusters in spring before the leaves emerge. The fruit is a long, slender capsule that contains numerous winged seeds.
Care Guide
Handroanthus Chrysanthus is a relatively low-maintenance tree that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
Water: Water the tree deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months. Make sure the soil is well-draining and does not become waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to excessive growth and weakened branches.
Soil: Handroanthus Chrysanthus prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Sunlight: This tree thrives in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to reduced flowering and weaker growth.
Hardiness Zones: Handroanthus Chrysanthus is hardy in USDA zones 9-11, which means it can tolerate minimum temperatures of 20-40°F (-6 to 4°C).
Common Pests & Diseases
Handroanthus Chrysanthus is generally a healthy plant that is not prone to many pests or diseases. However, here are some issues to watch out for:
Scale insects: These pests feed on the tree’s sap and can cause yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. Use a horticultural oil spray to control infestations.
Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown or black spots on the leaves and can lead to defoliation. Remove infected leaves and use a fungicide spray to prevent further spread.
Root rot: Over-watering or poorly-draining soil can lead to root rot, which can cause wilting, yellowing, and dropping of the leaves. Improve soil drainage and reduce watering to prevent this issue.
Habitat
Handroanthus Chrysanthus is native to South America, particularly Brazil, and can be found in a variety of habitats, including tropical rainforests, savannas, and riverbanks. It is also widely planted as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens around the world.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Handroanthus Chrysanthus?
A: Water the tree deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months. Make sure the soil is well-draining and does not become waterlogged.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Handroanthus Chrysanthus?
A: Handroanthus Chrysanthus is hardy in USDA zones 9-11, which means it can tolerate minimum temperatures of 20-40°F (-6 to 4°C).
Q: Does Handroanthus Chrysanthus require full sun or partial shade?
A: This tree thrives in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to reduced flowering and weaker growth.
Q: What is the average height of Handroanthus Chrysanthus?
A: Handroanthus Chrysanthus can grow up to 30 meters tall.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Handroanthus Chrysanthus:
- Handroanthus impetiginosus
- Handroanthus serratifolius
- Handroanthus umbellatus
- Handroanthus heptaphyllus
References
- Flowers of India: Tabebuia chrysanthus
- Gardenia: Tabebuia chrysanthus
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Handroanthus chrysanthus
- RHS: Handroanthus chrysanthus
