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Description
Tipuana Tipu, commonly known as the Tipu tree or Pride of Bolivia, is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that is native to South America. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and is a popular choice for landscaping and street planting due to its striking appearance, sun tolerance, and ability to withstand drought.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Tipuana |
| Species | Tipuana Tipu |
Appearance
The Tipu tree can grow up to 40-60 feet tall, with a spread of 30-50 feet. It has an open, spreading crown with a rounded shape and drooping branches that give it a graceful appearance. The leaves are feathery and bright green in color, with a length of 1-2 feet. During the summer, the tree produces clusters of yellow flowers that are similar in appearance to golden rain trees. The fruit is a long, slender pod that contains seeds.
Care Guide
The Tipu tree is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips:
- Water: The tree is drought-tolerant and can withstand long periods of dry weather. However, it should be watered regularly during the first year after planting to help it establish a strong root system.
- Fertilization: The tree doesn’t require much fertilizer, but you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote growth.
- Soil: The Tipu tree prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun and can tolerate partial shade. It should be planted in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 9b-11 and can withstand temperatures down to 25°F.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Tipu tree is relatively pest- and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to the following:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and bronzing of the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Leaf cutter bees: These bees can chew round holes in the leaves, but they don’t usually cause significant damage to the tree.
- Root rot: This fungal disease can be caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. It can be prevented by ensuring that the soil is well-draining and the tree isn’t overwatered.
Habitat
The Tipu tree is native to South America, specifically Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil. It grows in a variety of habitats, including savannas, grasslands, and forests. It was introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States, for ornamental purposes.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Tipu tree suitable for planting in urban areas?
A: Yes, the Tipu tree is a popular choice for planting in urban areas due to its ability to tolerate pollution and drought.
Q: Can the Tipu tree be grown in containers?
A: It’s not recommended to grow the Tipu tree in containers, as it can grow quite large and requires a lot of space for its root system.
Q: How often should the Tipu tree be pruned?
A: The tree doesn’t require much pruning, but you can prune it in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches.
Q: Does the Tipu tree attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the tree can attract birds and butterflies with its flowers and seeds.
Related Plants
- Golden Rain Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata)
- Flame Tree (Delonix regia)
- Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin)
- Chinese Flame Tree (Koelreuteria bipinnata)
References
- “Tipuana Tipu.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a624.
- “Tipuana Tipu – Pride of Bolivia.” University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st297.
- “Tipuana Tipu (Tipu, Tipuana).” Arizona State University, Ask A Biologist, askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/tipuana-tipu-tipu-tipuana.
