Purple Tabebuia

Tabebuia impetiginosa (Martius ex DC.) Standl.

tab-eh-BOO-yah imp-et-ij-ah-NOSE-ah

Bignoniaceae

Explanation of name: Tabebuya, meaning antwood, was a local name for a species of Tabebuia (http://www.killerplants.com/plant-of-the-week/20040510.asp). The specific epithet refers to the skin disease impetigo---the tree probably having a history of treating this affliction.

Natural range: South America

Recognition: Small to mid sized tree having opposite palmately compound leaves, the tree deciduous and becoming covered with purplish or pinkish tubular flowers in the spring while leafless. Magnificent when flowering