Schizolobium Parahyba

[Cindy Adair]

I asked a friend in Puerto Rico what he regretted planting over his 30 years of experience. He named this tree. There are already two on our farm so it's too late for us as I'm told we'll have many more. It looks like a tree fern when young, but the larger one now towers above the canopy. It has lovely yellow blooms in Spring. Its species name is capitalized because it's named after a river in Brazil. Who grows this tree and do you consider it a weed?

[Jerry@TreeZoo]

They are few and far between around here. Even though they grow well, not many people grow them. We have two in the Deerfield Arboretum, but neither is big enough to bloom yet and have not branched. If they are like Peltophorum in setting volunteers, they will be manageable.

[fastfeat]

Given the almost ceramic nature of their seedcoats, I suspect that very few will germinate under normal outdoors conditions in SoCal. (where they grow better than they do in Florida, IMHO) Soil is likely too cold for outdoor germination in SoCal.

On the other hand, temps are warm enough for them to germinate outdoors in SoFls. But I've not (yet) found volunteers near the few blooming-age trees I've seen. Seems like the only ones I've seen in Miami area were spindly and poorly branched. Perhaps shallow, limestone soils are not to its liking?

[Gonzer]

Mine's a beauty as BS can attest to. Topped after the freeze of '07 is now has the fullest canopy I've seen (pic to follow). The ONLY problem I've had was the voluminous amount of leaves in the rain gutters but screening took care of that. The leaf litter is a fine mulch also.

[MattyB]

I grow it and I love it. So considering it a "weed" means what? It grows too fast? Throws down too many seedlings? Too common?

Oh, and 2 of mine were labled S. excelsum. I'm not sure if that's different from S. parahybum

[Walter John]

Here Matty, I'll help you out with "Weed" means what.

1. a valueless plant growing wild, especially one that grows on cultivated ground to the exclusion or injury of the desired crop.

2. any undesirable or troublesome plant, especially one that grows profusely where it is not wanted.

[The Silent Seed]

Tried some from seed, from India - No luck. If anybody wants to pull up a few for me, I'm game for postage, or trade!

[MattyB]

I can get these to germinate 100% of the time in 1 day. Here's how:

Take a metal file and run the seeds over the file in a few places, scarifying the hard seed coat. Boil some water and drop the seeds in for about 10-15 seconds. Pour the boiling water out through a strainer and immediately put the seeds in cool or room temperature water and let them soak for 24 hours. By the next day they will be swollen and ready to germinate. Place in a well drained medium, as they are suseptible to damping off, and in about a day you'll have seedlings. You can skip the boiling water routine if you want and it still works pretty good. Just don't boil any longer than 10-15 seconds because I've found that if you boil too long, they'll still germinate quickly, but will die in a few days. Not sure why.

[Bennz]

Thats one weed I'd be happy to have

[palmmermaid]

There is one at Mounts Botanic Garden here in Palm Beach County. It is blooming size and beautiful. It looks like a giant tree fern. It doesn't seem to be causing any problems in the garden. I plan on putting one in my garden this year.

[Donald Sanders]

About 30 years ago I saw my first schizolobium at Mardy Darians garden. I was very impressed and this was my first real turn on to bipinnate compound leaf trees. We researched and found an old specimen at the LA COUNTY ARBORETUM and another old tree at the FAIRCHILD TROPICAL GARDEN in Fla.

We sent away for seeds, I forget where. 100% germination with both methods we used. We nicked the seed and it sprouted and I soaked seeds for several days and they sprouted too. Very fast growing and some horticulturist called it a 'fern tree'.

They are around the Big Island but not plentiful. Some are huge and are thought to be 'brittle' and limbs break off easy.

It is a very beautiful tree and grow beautiful in S. Cal.

Aloha, Donald Sanders

[Cindy Adair]

It looks like there are seed pods visible in my photos so I guess there are seeds somewhere too. Way to high for me to reach even with a ladder...If I see any pods on the ground when I next visit I'll clean the seeds, declare them at the USDA and bring them to Virginia. Then I'll post a notice here and send them to anyone. With those germination hints, it sounds easy and you can decide for yourself if they could become weeds in your climate.

[Pedro 65]

It looks like there are seed pods visible in my photos so I guess there are seeds somewhere too. Way to high for me to reach even with a ladder...If I see any pods on the ground when I next visit I'll clean the seeds, declare them at the USDA and bring them to Virginia. Then I'll post a notice here and send them to anyone. With those germination hints, it sounds easy and you can decide for yourself if they could become weeds in your climate.

We used this tree as a pioneer for a few years then cut them out. The few we left grew to very large proportions in a matter of 10 years, we had to then employ tree fellers to remove them because of there size and all the hundreds of 1 meter long sticks they dropped in winter. We still have 1 very large specimen a good 40 meters from the house and havnt found it to be a bad weed here as yet. I will say our Children really enjoy collecting the seeds, scratching them on rough rocks placing the seeds in a pot and watching them grow at lightning speed.

[Cindy Adair]

We have so many African Tulip trees (Spathodea campanulata I think) that it's certainly a weed. I'd always admired it in the tropics (and still do) but if I could make it disappear from MY property, I would. My husband machetes it but it always resprouts. I'll have to watch for seedlings of Schizolobium and try to limit my population to two adults. When I can, I'll get someone to remove the one closest to the shade house entrance before it grows another dozen feet... Thanks for all the information. Maybe I should try growing them in pots or as annuals in Virginia until we move?

[Pedro 65]

We have so many African Tulip trees (Spathodea campanulata I think) that it's certainly a weed. I'd always admired it in the tropics (and still do) but if I could make it disappear from MY property, I would. My husband machetes it but it always resprouts. I'll have to watch for seedlings of Schizolobium and try to limit my population to two adults. When I can, I'll get someone to remove the one closest to the shade house entrance before it grows another dozen feet... Thanks for all the information. Maybe I should try growing them in pots or as annuals in Virginia until we move?

Cindy our absolute worst tree weeds here are camphor laurel and ice cream bean(Inga sp). Both of these tree because we dont use chemical herbicides are almost impossible to control. Lots and Lots of labour digging and cutting. Pete

[Gonzer]

This year's canopy will be solid throughout.

[SanDimas]

BUMP......

Gonzer and Cindy any update pictures on your schizolobium and spathodea trees?

Greatly appreciated.

Cheers. Ritchy

[SanDimas]

I ordered seeds from RPS.

Mine took 2 weeks to germinate after just 2 days of soaking.

Planted in zip lock and Jiffy germinating media.

2nd leaf stage in less than 10 days after germing...growing like a rocket.

Updates and pics anyone?

Cheers.

[MattyB]

Here's my three, taken from my deck just now. Check out the fatty Royal Palm for scale

[Pedro 65]

Matty, that IS a Fatty Royal thats for sure

This is our last remaining Schizo that is a volunteer , it starts meters down low on the slope of deep red soil, its laden with seed and here this tree is certainly no "Tree Weed" due to the very hard seed which likes a scratch to germinate overnight..Yes overnight Pete

[Cindy Adair]

I'll try to remember to take more photos of mine next month. They do grow fast, but I haven't found seeds within reach yet. If I do, I'll be glad to share.

I'm enjoying all the photos. Thanks!

[SanDimas]

Great pics guys.

I love that forest canopy look.

How far should I space these out from each other so I can get a nice umbrella canopy once its past my roof (10 feet)

Acacia tortilis gives that same canopy formation and Pinus pinea(Italian stone pine) as well.

Cheers.

[Pedro 65]

Great pics guys.

I love that forest canopy look.

How far should I space these out from each other so I can get a nice umbrella canopy once its past my roof (10 feet)

Acacia tortilis gives that same canopy formation and Pinus pinea(Italian stone pine) as well.

Cheers.

Ritch, Matty can give you the measurements since you live in the same climate, heres a pic looking up into the crown of ours which is a "good 15mtrs " wide, all the best with yours, they grow very fast and the birdlife love them when in flower. Pete

[Peter]

Great tree Pete, and what a backdrop!

[LJG]

Looks good Matty, and man those Queen palms are getting big too.

Pete, I wish we had the same climate. You are certainly warmer than us here. Your tree looks perfect.

[Gonzer]

Boy I sure miss mine.

[SanDimas]

WooW Pete.

Holy smokes.

What a canopy!

How old is that tree?

I see you have the main tree forking off

making a Y shape to get a nice canopy like that.

[Laisla87]

We have so many African Tulip trees (Spathodea campanulata I think) that it's certainly a weed. I'd always admired it in the tropics (and still do) but if I could make it disappear from MY property, I would. My husband machetes it but it always resprouts. I'll have to watch for seedlings of Schizolobium and try to limit my population to two adults. When I can, I'll get someone to remove the one closest to the shade house entrance before it grows another dozen feet... Thanks for all the information. Maybe I should try growing them in pots or as annuals in Virginia until we move?

Sorry I just have to say - you must really have it in for the Spathodea. Almost every post Ive seen of yours includes some negative reference to it

[SanDimas]

BTW

I have the African tulip tree also.

Its about 5 feet high in a 15G pot which I cut open the bottom.

The tree and 15G pot planted halfway down in clay soil.

South side full day sun. Anyone expedrience with these in SoCAL?

Cheers

[Cindy Adair]

We have so many African Tulip trees (Spathodea campanulata I think) that it's certainly a weed. I'd always admired it in the tropics (and still do) but if I could make it disappear from MY property, I would. My husband machetes it but it always resprouts. I'll have to watch for seedlings of Schizolobium and try to limit my population to two adults. When I can, I'll get someone to remove the one closest to the shade house entrance before it grows another dozen feet... Thanks for all the information. Maybe I should try growing them in pots or as annuals in Virginia until we move?

Sorry I just have to say - you must really have it in for the Spathodea. Almost every post Ive seen of yours includes some negative reference to it

I actually still really like the Spathodea trees, but my husband certainly does not!

[Palms1984]

BTW

I have the African tulip tree also.

Its about 5 feet high in a 15G pot which I cut open the bottom.

The tree and 15G pot planted halfway down in clay soil.

South side full day sun. Anyone expedrience with these in SoCAL?

Cheers

African Tulip trees grow very quickly with lots of water and fertilizer. It can tolerate constantly wet soil here in San Diego, where I live (close to San Diego State). My tree blooms virtually all year, from: April - February.

African Tulip tree has become a pretty common tree here in San Diego. I've seen it naturalize at the San Diego Zoo, in parts of Balboa Park and a few neighborhoods around Balboa Park. There's also dozens of trees at San Diego State University and I've seen a lot of seedling trees there.

Edited July 10, 2013 by Palms1984

[SanDimas]

Thank you Palms84.

I got the Spathodea planted 3 feet away from my Roystonea regia

Both receive and share lots of water between them.

Thanx.

[Gonzer]

Spathodea's are cool trees, I've got no problem with 'em. But three and a half feet distance between it and your palm is not good. They need elbow room.

[fastfeat]

BTW

I have the African tulip tree also.

Its about 5 feet high in a 15G pot which I cut open the bottom.

The tree and 15G pot planted halfway down in clay soil.

South side full day sun. Anyone expedrience with these in SoCAL?

Cheers

African Tulip trees grow very quickly with lots of water and fertilizer. It can tolerate constantly wet soil here in San Diego, where I live (close to San Diego State). My tree blooms virtually all year, from: April - February.

African Tulip tree has become a pretty common tree here in San Diego. I've seen it naturalize at the San Diego Zoo, in parts of Balboa Park and a few neighborhoods around Balboa Park. There's also dozens of trees at San Diego State University and I've seen a lot of seedling trees there.

I'd bet that many to most of those "seedlings" are likely root suckers. The tree at Fullerton Arboretum throws them out occasionally. And though it sets seed, I've never seen any sprout below or nearby (and it's on a warm west-facing slope).

[Palms1984]

BTW

I have the African tulip tree also.

Its about 5 feet high in a 15G pot which I cut open the bottom.

The tree and 15G pot planted halfway down in clay soil.

South side full day sun. Anyone expedrience with these in SoCAL?

Cheers

African Tulip trees grow very quickly with lots of water and fertilizer. It can tolerate constantly wet soil here in San Diego, where I live (close to San Diego State). My tree blooms virtually all year, from: April - February.

African Tulip tree has become a pretty common tree here in San Diego. I've seen it naturalize at the San Diego Zoo, in parts of Balboa Park and a few neighborhoods around Balboa Park. There's also dozens of trees at San Diego State University and I've seen a lot of seedling trees there.

I'd bet that many to most of those "seedlings" are likely root suckers. The tree at Fullerton Arboretum throws them out occasionally. And though it sets seed, I've never seen any sprout below or nearby (and it's on a warm west-facing slope).

The seedlings are quite a distance from the actual trees. They are actual seedling trees. The African trees here in San Diego produce tons of viable seed!

The seedling typically pop up where there's some moisture. Generally, by a sprinkler system.

[Pedro 65]

WooW Pete.

Holy smokes.

What a canopy!

How old is that tree?

I see you have the main tree forking off

making a Y shape to get a nice canopy like that.

Ritch, that tree had help germinating when a bulldozer was building the dam 14 yrs ago, the yes its got great shape. Posted the 2 pics again for you. Pete

[Palms1984]

WooW Pete.

Holy smokes.

What a canopy!

How old is that tree?

I see you have the main tree forking off

making a Y shape to get a nice canopy like that.

Ritch, that tree had help germinating when a bulldozer was building the dam 14 yrs ago, the yes its got great shape. Posted the 2 pics again for you. Pete

Do the branches ever get damaged during strong winds?

[Pedro 65]

WooW Pete.

Holy smokes.

What a canopy!

How old is that tree?

I see you have the main tree forking off

making a Y shape to get a nice canopy like that.

Ritch, that tree had help germinating when a bulldozer was building the dam 14 yrs ago, the yes its got great shape. Posted the 2 pics again for you. Pete

Do the branches ever get damaged during strong winds?

Of the many of that size we have had here on the property none have or had snapped in very strong winds . Pete

[Gonzer]

I never lost branches either and supposedly they're a weak tree.

[fastfeat]

Several factors contribute to branch failure: angle, presence of included bark in the crotch, end load, growth rate, wind speed/direction, maturity/age. Generally, they're likely to be less likely to fail if grown slower and drier. Big pretty old (at least 30 y/o) trees at Quail (newer name?) BG in Encinitas. Doubt they'll live as long in SoFla, where faster on more rainfall, subjected to higher winds. Like most Acacia, a pioneering species that just can't be expected to live too long even under the best of conditions.