Flower of the Month- Tabebuia Chrysotricha
Dr. Shriprakash Sharma
Tabebuia Chrysotricha -Synonym Name -Handroanthus Chrysotricha is commonly known as the golden trumpet tree. It belongs with a family Bignoniacae. Its flower considered as National Flower of Brazil. It has very showy golden-yellow to red flowers in the spring. Origin of this plant is Brazil and Northeast Argentina. It can grow to a height of 5 to 8 m. It has very showy golden yellow flowers on the spring. These are rich in Nectar. An ideal specimen gorgeous ornamental tree for lawn, park and road side plantation. These leaves drop for a short period in April to May and it is at this time that the tree put on their heaviest flowering display the trumpet- shaped, bright yellow blossom appearing in dense 2.5- to 8-inch-long terminal clusters. It bears palmately leave with undulated margin. Leaf shape oblong, elliptic, leaf blade 4 inches length, young leaflet are covered in golden pubescence. Then become silvery green on top and tan and pubescent underneath. Fruit shape pod or pad like, elongated fruit length 4 to 15 inches, fruit cover dry or hard. Fruit dose not attract wildlife. Bark of this plant tan with shallow vertical fissures when young, becoming rougher and more deeply set with age.
Cultural Practice- This ornamental gorgeous tree can be grown best in full sunlight. It can grow on any reasonable fertile soil with moderate moisture. Seedlings and young plants require frequent, deep watering, especially during the first few months of growth. After the first year, water young trees about once every two weeks. Established trees do not need watering unless the region experience a dry spell. Fertilize trees four to six weeks after plaiting with 12:6:8 fertilizer or similar formulations. Each year fertilize trees in the early spring. Prune this tree regularly during the dormant season to keep trees from growing beyond their selected garden area or to create a desired shape . Additionally prune away all dead or damaged branches.
We can propagate this tree by using seeds or hard wood cuttings. Take cuttings from mature shoots at the start of springs, the cutting should be 8 to 10 inch long. To propagate with seeds, collect the seeds from the pods after they turn brown and start crack open, then put- in growing media and keep media moist. It has no any serious pest and disease problem. This plant may suffer from tomato spotted wilt. This issue cannot be cured and required to propagate healthy cuttings to get rid of this problem.
Use of this tree –
The large trumpet tree is a great addition to any landscape. It helps to bring more colours to dull area. It can grow in 75cm container also and can be place anywhere as per requirement.
