Tropical tree sapling identification needed please

[Missi]

I was walking near downtown Fort Lauderdale this evening and plucked this lone sapling out of a city planting of Polypodium in a median. At first I thought it to be a Tabebuia sapling but now I don’t think so. Anyone know?

[John2468]

I think you’re right on the Tabebuia.

[Missi]

Please no one say mango. 😭 It looks extremely similar but I am sensitive to the sap and get terrible contact dermatitis. This little sapling did not get the milky sap when a leaf was removed. Crossing fingers.

My concern about it potentially not being a Tabebuia is that it does’t have palmate leaves.

[Silas_Sancona]

7 minutes ago, John2468 said:

I think you’re right on the Tabebuia.

Yep, 100% Tabebuia


..T. aurea / caribea to be precise.

[Missi]

8 hours ago, Silas_Sancona said:

Yep, 100% Tabebuia


..T. aurea / caribea to be precise.

PFEW!! Thank you so much!! 🥳 I’m excited to have that Genus in my collection again, no matter how common it may be!

[Silas_Sancona]

3 hours ago, Missi said:

PFEW!! Thank you so much!! 🥳 I’m excited to have that Genus in my collection again, no matter how common it may be!

  A touch more cold sensitive than the more commonly planted Tabebuia / Handroanthus  sps, but, i doubt you'll have any real issues w/ it down there since that species is planted extensively in that part of FL..

Unlike other places outside the Americas where it was introduced and can be an aggressive spreader, no worries about that in FL. either.

Rough, corky bark it develops as it gets older is great for attaching epiphytic  Bromeliads / Orchids to as well.

Keep it moist  -but not soggy wet- ( likes slightly drier soil conditions compared to other Tabs. )  while it settles in and it should take off pretty quickly. 

Lucky you.. Been trying to find seedlings / fresh seed that could be shipped here to trial under our conditions..

How are your critters doing?

[Missi]

24 minutes ago, Silas_Sancona said:

  A touch more cold sensitive than the more commonly planted Tabebuia / Handroanthus  sps, but, i doubt you'll have any real issues w/ it down there since that species is planted extensively in that part of FL..

Unlike other places outside the Americas where it was introduced and can be an aggressive spreader, no worries about that in FL. either.

Rough, corky bark it develops as it gets older is great for attaching epiphytic  Bromeliads / Orchids to as well.

Keep it moist  -but not soggy wet- ( likes slightly drier soil conditions compared to other Tabs. )  while it settles in and it should take off pretty quickly. 

Lucky you.. Been trying to find seedlings / fresh seed that could be shipped here to trial under our conditions..

How are your critters doing?

Thank you for more info! I always appreciate your input. We are going to plant it right in ground in a raised area by the house today.

I will keep an eye out for more seedlings/seeds next time I go across the state and keep you in mind. 🌱🌳🌼✉️