Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex H.B.&K.
Frost tender, large shrub or small tree, often multi-trunked, with pinnate leaves, to 35cm long, composed of up to 13 lance-shaped, toothed leaflets, and terminal racemes or panicles of funnel-shaped, bright yellow flowers, to 5cm long, from late winter to summer. To 9m. [RHSE, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘Notwithstanding that this beautiful plant has been introduced to our gardens more than a century ago, it has never yet found a place in any of our botanical periodical publications. Perhaps its blossoms are of rare occurrence in our collections. I have never myself seen them in a recent state; and I describe the plant partly from dried specimens sent to me by Mr. John Lockhart, from Trinidad, and partly from the drawings made by Mr. John Curtis, in 1820; but from what collection is not stated. It is a native of the West India Islands, and of course requires the heat of the stove; where, according to the Hortus Kewensis, its season of blossoming is August.’ [BM t.3191/1832]. Introduced to Britain in 1730. [JD].
History at Camden Park
Listed in the 1850 and 1859 catalogues [T.960/1850], a number of large specimens survive in the gardens. It has become a significant weed in parts of eastern Australia, but not in the Camden district. The mature trees in the gardens all flower very prolifically but don’t readily set seed. I have only ever seen a single seed pod and no seedlings.
Notes
Tecoma stans Griseb. (1879) = Tecoma garrocha Hieron.
Published Feb 25, 2010 - 04:15 PM | Last updated Feb 25, 2010 - 04:22 PM
Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex H.B.&K. | BM t.3191/1832 | BHL
| Family | Bignoniaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Southern USA to South America |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Trumpet bush, Yellow bells, Yellow elder |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Tecoma stans |
| Confidence level | high |