Apamate, Pink Poui, Pink Tecoma, Rosy Trumpet Tree

Tabebuia rosea

Physical Characteristics

Tabebuia rosea is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 20 m (65ft) 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 dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Northern S. America - Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela; north to the Caribbean and through Central America to Mexico.

Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antiinflammatory Cancer Diaphoretic Febrifuge Laxative Malaria Parasiticide Bark used to eliminate intestinal parasites, malaria and uterine cancer. A decoction of the bark is recommended for anemia and constipation. A decoction of the flowers, leaves and roots has been used to reduce fevers and pain, cause sweating, to treat tonsil inflammation and various other disorders (Hernan Rodriguez Navas. 2007. La Utilidad de las Plantas Medicinales en Costa Rica. EUNA, Heredia, Costa Rica). Active phytochemicals in the tree include lapachol, a natural organic compound isolated from various other Tabebuia species. Chemically, it is a derivative of naphthoquinone, related to vitamin K.

Known Hazards

None known