Tipuana tipu it is a large tree species cultivated for ornamental or medicinal purposes that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Known as palo rosa, tipa, tipa blanca or tipuana, it is the only described species of the genus Tipuana native to subtropical regions of South America.
It is a tall, fast-growing and highly branched tree, which reaches 15-25 m in height with a dense and wide crown. It has odd-pinnate, semi-deciduous and light green leaves; yellowish flowers grouped in terminal racemes, yellow with reddish spots; the fruit is a samara or winged legume.
It is used in reforestation projects due to its rapid growth and extensive root system which allows stabilizing soils in areas with erosive problems. However, its strong surface roots tend to deteriorate pavement, buildings or drains..
As an ornamental plant it provides shade for parks, squares and avenues. In addition, the flowers attract honey insects and provide an excellent refuge for birds. Its wood has good workability, but is not very resistant; the resin that is extracted from the bark has medicinal properties, being used as an anti-inflammatory, anti-hemorrhagic, astringent and healing.
Article index
Tall tree species, highly branched cylindrical stem, dense and parasol crown, which reaches 1-1.5 m wide by 15-25 m high. The greyish-brown bark has a longitudinal brittle appearance, being thick with persistent plates 2-3 cm wide by 3-5 cm long..
It is a robust and stout tree with rapid growth. The bark exudes a reddish resin and exhibits a late deciduous behavior. The numerous branches are thick at the base and wavy or pendulous at the ends.
Compound, opposite and odd-pinnate leaves of light green color with 6-12 pairs of elliptical leaflets on a 10-20 cm long rachis. Each leaflet 2-5 cm long by 1-2 cm wide has a rounded base and a slightly emarginated apex
They usually have entire margins and an evident midrib along the underside. It has a smooth or glabrous surface on the upper surface and slightly pubescent or with fine bristles on the underside..
The hermaphrodite, zygomorphic or yellowish flowers are golden-yellow in color with longitudinal streaks of reddish or purplish tones. They are grouped by means of a long pedicel in simple and hanging inflorescences in axillary or terminal position..
The fruit is a samara-type winged legume, indehiscent, somewhat leathery and greyish, 4-7 cm long with a brown ovoid basal portion. Inside there are 1-3 seeds of 5-6 mm long, oblong and reddish, individually arranged in transverse compartments.
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Subkingdom: Tracheobionta
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Subclass: Rosidae
- Order: Fabales
- Family: Fabaceae
- Subfamily: Faboideae
- Tribe: Dalbergieae
- Gender: Tipuana
- Species: Tipuana tipu (Benth.) Kuntze, 1898.
- Machaerium fertile Griseb.
- Machaerium tipu Benth.
- Tipuana speciosa Benth.
- Tipuana tipa Lillo.
- Tipuana: the name of the genus. It was designated by George Bentham (1853) in allusion to the expression "tipu", of aboriginal origin. In this way it was known in Bolivia and the Paraná region, where this species is particularly abundant..
- tipu: the specific adjective also derives from the term "tipu", an aboriginal name given to the species in Bolivia and northwestern Argentina.
- Rosewood: the common name, applied similarly to other species in South America, refers to the reddish color that its sap.
The species Tipuana tipu It is native to the subtropical forests of Bolivia and the provinces of Jujuy, Salta and Tucumán in northeast Argentina. It has also been introduced in Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, being considered an exotic species in the USA, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Australia..
This large tree adapts to different climatic conditions, both humid and dry environments, as well as tolerates occasional frosts. It develops effectively within a temperature range of 18-25 ºC and average annual rainfall of 400-1,000 mm..
It grows on deep clay-loam or sandy-loam soils, with a high content of organic matter and permeable. However, it adapts to a great diversity of edaphic conditions, it is even possible that it grows in soils of calcareous origin..
On the other hand, this species, like most fabaceae, maintains a symbiotic relationship with certain nitrogen-fixing symbiotic bacteria in the soil. These bacteria produce nodules at the root level that have the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, necessary for plant growth..
It multiplies easily by means of mature seeds collected directly from the plant, so it does not require a pre-germination process. Some cultivars or hybrids can be propagated from selected cuttings during the fall or late winter.
Propagation by means of seeds requires a substrate with a high content of organic matter and environmental conditions of the nursery. That is, semi-shade, frequent watering, cool temperature and effective control of weeds, pests and diseases.
The seeds of Tipuana tipu They have a germination percentage of 50-60%, and require 30-50 days to start the germination process. As the seedling grows, it is advisable to perform chimes, in order to favor the development of the apical buds..
This species is very resistant to transplantation. The seedlings are ready the next year, when they reach 100-120 cm in height. Its location requires an open and wide space, away from buildings, walls, paved roads or pipes, due to its strong root system.
The application of frequent irrigation and the control of weeds, pests or diseases, is essential in the first phase of growth. At present it is mainly cultivated as an ornamental plant in squares and avenues, being cultivated in subtropical regions up to 39 ° South latitude..
Rosewood is a species that is adapted to warm temperate and subtropical climates. It develops in areas where the average temperature during the day remains between 18-25 ºC, being susceptible to occasional frosts.
It grows in areas where the average annual rainfall oscillates in a range of 400-1,000 mm, it also has good tolerance to drought. During the growth, flowering and fruiting phase it requires full sun exposure.
Regarding the soil, it requires deep loamy texture and fertile, well drained, but that retain moisture. In some areas it adapts to saline soils, with clay-loam soils being the ideal ones for its growth and development..
- The aggressive development of its root system advises its location in open spaces, away from sidewalks, buildings or drains.
- Rosewood requires full or half exposure, as well as warm environments. Despite its adaptation to various climates, it is susceptible to occasional frosts.
- It grows on any type of soil, as long as it is deep, fertile and well drained.
- Frequent irrigation applications are recommended in the early stages of development, bearing in mind that adult plants are drought tolerant..
- Maintenance and training pruning is appropriate only after winter, when the frosts have ended. This type of pruning is done in order to shape the tree and maintain its appearance.
- It is a rustic plant resistant to the incidence of pests and diseases. By maintaining sanitary conditions, irrigation and fertilization, it is possible to preserve the health of the trees.
Yet No Comments