Handroanthus (=Tabebuia) ochraceus

Viable seeds / kg (approx.): 62,500

Minimum purchase: 100 g

Description

H. ochraceus is native from Central
America to Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil and Trinidad. It can reach up to 25 m in
height and diameters (DBH) of up to 50 cm and is easily recognizable from long
distance when it is in bloom, due to its intense yellow color.

Uses

It is not widely used in
plantations, but mainly as ornamental, for its spectacular intense yellow
bloom, to combat soil erosion and in fences. It is very suitable for use in the
improvement of degraded areas and ecological restoration of the dry forest. The
wood is dark brown, heavy and durable, with high mechanical resistance and long
durability, even under adverse conditions. It is suitable for external uses,
such as poles, railway sleepers, civil construction finishes, general
construction and furniture.

Environmental conditions

It is common in dry and deciduous
or semi-deciduous forests, at elevations from sea level to 1000 masl, with
climates that vary from dry to humid, with annual rainfall of 800 to 2000 mm
and mean temperatures of 18 to 23 ° C. It can be planted higher up as
ornamental.

Soils

It can grow in degraded areas, but it
prefers light soils with good drainage.

Seeds and nursery

As a pre-germination treatment it is recommended to soak the seeds in running
water at room temperature for 24 hours. For the seedbed it is recommended to
use a loose substrate such as river sand, well washed and disinfected. The seed
should be distributed evenly or in rows 2-3 cm apart, sowing it superficially.
Germination begins 5 to 15 days later and the seedlings can be transplanted
when they reach 5 cm in height. The root is usually very long, so it must be
pruned to about 3 cm in length. When transplanting, be sure to make a hole deep
enough in the substrate to avoid curving up of the roots. Shade should be
provided for the first 2-3 weeks after transplanting, for instance using shade
clothing (saran) 50%. With seeds of good germination it is possible to sow
directly in the containers, placing 1-2 seeds per hole. Plants will be ready for
field planting after 4-6 months in the nursery. A couple of weeks before
planting out in the field it is recommended to reduce watering to stimulate the
lignification of the stems.

Growth

H. ochraceus shows increments of
around 1.2 m in height and 1.5 cm in diameter per year.