Yellow Trumpet Tree

Handroanthus serratifolius

Physical Characteristics

Handroanthus serratifolius is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 25 m (82ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas, north to Trinidad and Tobago.

Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antidote Antirheumatic Antitumor Febrifuge Pectoral A decoction of the whole plant, combined with honey, is used to relieve coughing[348 ]. The bark is antidote. It is used as a treatment against fever, snake poison and manchineel poison[348 ]. The dried bark of the trunk is grated and applied as a plaster as a remedy for leishmaniasis. The plaster is changed daily until the ulcer is cicatrized[348 ]. The wood is used in a decoction as a sudorific to treat fevers[348 ]. The flowers are pectoral[348 ]. The corolla of the flowers is used in a decoction, mixed with sugar, as a syrup to remedy rheumatism, coughing and grippe[348 ]. The plant contains lapachol, a naphthoquinone which has been shown to have antitumor activity[348 ].

Known Hazards

The fine yellow dust arising when sawing or planing the wood has an irritating effect if inhaled and at times is reported to cause mild dermatitis[378 ].