TABEBUIA SERRATIFOLIA - PAU D'ARCO. Common name Surinam greenheart, pau d'arco, taheebo, ipe roxo, yellow poui, amapa, tahuari. Family Bignoniaceae (Bignonia family). Overview Surinam greenheart is a native to rainforests throughout Central- and South America. The bark of Surinam greenheart contains more than 20 active compounds including lapachol, quercetin and other flavonoids. It is one of the largest and strongest of tropical forest trees, growing up to 150 feet tall while the base can be 4 to 7 feet in diameter. One cubic foot may weight from 70 to 85 lbs. It is resistant to insects and decay so it is difficult to surpass it for durability. There are several species of the Tabebuia and all have beautiful flowers; purple, yellow and pink. The compounded leaves of Surinam greenheart or pau d'arco, consist of 1 pair identical, small leaves, followed by 1 pair of larger ones and at the end there is one leaf, the largest, with a noticeble point. During the dry season all the leaves are shed and the bare branches are covered with fragrant bright-yellow flowers; that make the tree very ornamental for use in gardens and cities. The ligulate pod is 18" long and 1" wide and contains a lot of small feathery seeds. The inside of the pod is eaten by toucans. These are brightly colored birds (Rhamphatos maximas) from the Amazon rainforest distinguished by a large down - curved beak. Pau d'arco is a common tree in Suriname and because of it's high quality wood, popular with timber loggers. Visit our exotic tropical hardwood page. It is reported to have anti-fungal and anti-tumor properties. The inner lining of the bark (phloem) is used medicinally. Visit also our APPLICATION & DOSAGE -, CHOLESTEROL -, DIABETES - , HYPERTENSION - and TINCTURE pages. Suriname's traditional medicine After boiling; a tea is made from this and used for stomatitis, anemia, malaria, colds, cough, flu and ulcers. Hardiness USDA zone 9 B - 11. Propagation Seeds. Culture Full sun, moist soil, needs high humidity. Plant in frost free areas. Can be kept as a container plant for a few years. |
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