Rosewood (Tipuana tipu)

Family Fabaceae

Tipuana tipu, known as Rosewood and is a South American tree of the genus Tipuana. Tipu trees can reach 100 feet in height and 60 feet wide. They are known for being shade trees. Tipu leaves vary in size from 1/2 inch to 3 inches or more and they grow in clusters. The flowers are bright yellow in color and bloom only briefly in the late summer. The fruit is a samara, with the seed at one end.

 It is a deciduous tree, shedding all of its leaves and large "helicopter" seed packets from January-May each year. The debris can be quite a nuisance. The tree is known for having a very aggressive root system. The tree roots can easily lift up concrete and asphalt. Precautions should be taken when planting near buildings, homes, or pools, as they are likely to be damaged. Damage may sometimes be averted by trenching near the structure to a depth of about 1 metre and filling the trench with building rubble or lining the trench with thick plastic sheeting.

 In Southern California, an insect called Tipu Psyllid has invaded several trees.

 Also known as the "Pride of Bolivia".

 This tree is viewed as an invasive weed in some countries. It produces masses of seeds, most of which succeed in germinating, and it can withstand a very wide range of growing conditions, from -4 degrees C to salty soils to drought.

 The species is a food plant for spittlebugs such as Ptyelus grossus.



Information from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tipuana_tipu

Identified by: http://www.ispot.org.za/