About Tabebuia heterophylla (DC.) Britton
Tabebuia heterophylla, also commonly called pink manjack, grows to a height of 20 to 30 feet. Its leaves are arranged oppositely, are palmately compound, and have five or fewer leaflets. This species is classified as brevi-deciduous. It produces showy pink, tubular five-lobed flowers that measure 2 to 3 inches long, and it flowers during spring and summer. Its fruit is a seedpod, which splits along two lines to release numerous thin, light brown seeds. Each seed is 1/2 to 1 inch long, and has two white wings. This tree is native to the Caribbean, most notably Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles. It is especially common across most of Puerto Rico, but is not found in the higher elevations of the Sierra de Luquillo and the Cordillera Central. It grows in high concentrations in the Sierra de Cayey; a protected area here called La Robleda has recently become well-known for its annual blooms, which last for a few weeks each year. Pink manjack is used as a street tree. Its mature height allows it to provide consistent shade, so it can also supply shade for residential properties near patios or decks. It is valued for its attractive floral display, so it is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree.
