Tipu tree (Tipuana tipu)
Care, watering, light and tips for Tipu tree on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Tipu tree
The Tipuana tipu, commonly known as Tipa or Rosewood, is a large deciduous tree native to South America, renowned for its spectacular golden-yellow blossoms in spring and early summer. Its branches spread out to form a broad, flattened canopy, providing ample shade. It is ideal for parks, avenues, and large gardens where a fast-growing, high-impact ornamental tree is desired.
Native range
South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay
Care tips
It requires full sun exposure for optimal flowering and vigorous development. Although it tolerates periods of drought once established, it appreciates regular watering during the warmer, drier months, especially in its early years. It prefers well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic soils, but adapts to a wide range of edaphic conditions. A common mistake to avoid is planting it too close to structures or pavements, as its roots can be invasive.
How to save a dying Tipu tree
- Warning signs
- Yellow or brown leaves falling massively, dry or brittle branches, lack of new shoots.
- First aid
- Check soil drainage and moisture; prune dead branches. Protect from frost if young.
- What kills it
- Prolonged waterlogging or extreme drought in its early years. Also severe frosts.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't rotted or main trunk severely damaged.