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  • Tabebuia heterophylla (Photo: Dr Gerald Carr, University of Hawai i)
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Common name
pink manjack (English), roble (Spanish), pink tecoma (English), whitewood (English), calice du paperpape (English), pink trumpet-tree (English), roble blanco (Spanish), white cedar (English), white-cedar (English)
Synonym
Bignonia pallida , Lindl.
Tabebuia heterophylla , ssp. pallida auct. non (Miers) Stehl�
Tabebuia lucida , Britt.
Tabebuia pallida sensu , Liogier & Martorell
Tabebuia pentaphylla , (DC.) Hemsl.
Tabebuia triphylla , DC.
Similar species
Summary
Tabebuia heterophylla is a small to medium sized deciduous tree attaining a height of 18m. In its native range it is widespread in abandoned pastures and secondary forests. It has become a problem in Pacific regions and is particularly common in dry, coastal woodlands and in secondary forests. It grows on any soil type and will adapt to poor or degraded soils. T. heterophylla regenerates and forms pure monotypic stands. It is an extremely fast growing species and can easily outcompete native and other exotic trees. It bears leaves and branches almost to the base and casts a deep shade under which virtualy no other species can grow. Its thick litter layer may also prevent the growth of native seedlings.
Species Description
T. heterophylla is a small- to medium-size tree attaining a height of 18m and a diameter of 60cm. It has a furrowed bark, and a narrow, columnar crown, with opposite, palmately compound leaves. There are 3-5 leaflets, with blades elliptic to oblanceolate or obovate, 6-16cm long, leathery, acute to blunt at the tip, acute to rounded or oblique at the base; surfaces glabrous; margins entire; petiole 3-12cm long. The flowers are large white to light purple perfect flowers that are borne few to several in terminal and lateral clusters, or occasionally as individuals. The mature fruits are dark brown cigar-like pods, about 8 to 20cm long and 6.5mm in diameter and contain many winged seeds each about 2cm long (Weaver, 1990; PIER, 2004)..
Lifecycle Stages
In Puerto Rico, flowering is chiefly in the spring, or dry season, and is accompanied by complete leaf drop. Sporadic flowering occurs at other times. Fruits are borne in May and June with fruit fall varying from July through September., and may be found on the tree during most of the year (Weaver, 1990). Weaver (1990) states that “T. heterophylla's seed capsule splits along two lines and seeds are dispersed varying distances from the parent tree, ranging up to 100m or more, depending upon weather conditions. The seeds germinate in open areas and form dense stands of seedlings.” The author states that, \"Several seed experiments were conducted at the Institute of Tropical Forestry during the mid-1940's. About 70,000 air-dried seeds were counted per kilogram (31,750/lb), and these had mean moisture content of 31 percent, based on the dry weight of the seeds. Seeds sown directly in seedbeds after collection in the field showed germination rates of 90 percent within 2 weeks. A 3-week delay in sowing seeds reduced viability to about 55 percent and after 5 weeks, no seeds germinated. Attempts were made to store seeds for long periods using seed moisture contents of 100, 75, 50, and 25 percent at room temperature and at 4' C (40' F). The best germination after 25 months, nearly 55 percent, was attained with the lowest moisture content and temperature combination.\"
Uses
Weaver (1990) states that, \"In Puerto Rico, T. heterophylla is planted on poor sites to provide cover and to improve the soil. It is recommended for planting on uniform and convex slopes and ridges, where trials have shown it to be a promising species for reforestation. It has also done well on humid, waterlogged sites.\"
Weaver (1990) states that, \"T. heterophylla's appearance and technical properties resemble both oak and ash. The wood is widely used for flooring, furniture, cabinetwork, interior trim, tool handles, decorative veneers, boatbuilding, ox yokes, millwork, and sporting goods. Less valuable grades are suitable for boxes, crates, concrete forms and similar items, and occasionally for posts and poles. T. heterophylla's large flowers and narrow, columnar crown have made it a favourite ornamental in yards and along roadsides throughout Puerto Rico. Flowering in many instances has been observed a few years after planting.\"
Showler et al. (2002) discovered that Rodrigues Warblers (Acrocepbalus rodericanus) were also found in plantations dominated by T. heterophylla but at much lower densities than is typical for the species.
Habitat Description
Weaver (1990) describes the habitat in which T. heterophylla occurs in Puerto Rico and elsewhere in the caribbean. The author states that states that, in Puerto Rico, T. heterophylla is widespread in abandoned pastures and secondary forests and found in dry or wet natural forests, except for the highest elevations in the Luquillo Mountains and the Cordillera Central. T. heterophylla appers to be tolerant of degraded sites and abandoned farm lands where it tends to form nearly pure stands. It is found growing well on a wide range of soil types but seems to prefer deep clays. In Puerto Rico, T. heterophylla is found on sand, limestone, and heavy clay soils, acid or alkaline in reaction, and residual, alluvial, or colluvial in origin. It is most common on slopes and ridges but is also found on flats adjacent to riverbeds. Elsewhere in the Caribbean, T. heterophylla is particularly common in dry, coastal woodlands and in secondary forests. It grows on any soil type and will adapt to poor or degraded soils if moisture is available.
Reproduction
Zimmerman et al. (2000) report that T. heterophylla is a wind-dispersed species.

Principal source: Weaver, 1990Tabebuia heterophylla (DC.) Britton, Roble Blanco, White-Cedar.
PIER (Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk). 2004. Tabebuia heterophylla (DC.) Britton, Bignoniaceae.

Compiler: National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) & IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)

Review: Expert review underway

Publication date: 2006-03-23

Recommended citation: Global Invasive Species Database (2024) Species profile: Tabebuia heterophylla. Downloaded from http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/species.php?sc=868 on 08-12-2024.

General Impacts
On the island Mauritius, Parnell et al. (1989) found that, \"T. heterophylla was spreading rapidly on the island, with small numbers of mature trees present but abundant young plants and seedlings. It appears to grow faster than any native or exotic tree on the island. Most T. heterophylla bear leaves and branches almost to the base and cast a deep shade under which virtually no other species grow. T. heterophylla is deciduous and its thick litter layer may also prevent the growth of native seedlings.
PIER (2004) states that, \"T. heterophylla is invasive in Hawai‘i. It is also reported invasive on Diego Garcia and naturalizing on Kwajalein (Whistler and Steele, 1999). T. heterophylla is also naturalized in some locations on Nimitz Hill, Guam (Bart Lawrence, personal communication).\"
Zimmerman et al. (2000) state that, \"T. heterophylla readily invades pasture via seed.\" In their study, Zimmerman et al. (2000) state that, \"T. heterophylla appears to facilitate the colonization of many common forest species that are unable to establish in recently abandoned pasture.\"
Weaver (1990) states that, \"T. heterophylla regenerates and forms pure stands on grasslands and degraded soils, in particular on exposed upper slopes and ridges, where competition from faster growing, larger, and more tolerant trees is lacking.\" In the seedling and sapling stages, T. heterophylla is an aggressive pioneer (Weaver, 1990), and it can maintain viable populations in both dry and moist forest habitats (Cordero and Molano, 1996).
Countries (or multi-country features) with distribution records for Tabebuia heterophylla
NATIVE RANGE
  • antigua and barbuda
  • bahamas
  • barbados
  • bes islands (bonaire, sint eustatius and saba)
  • cayman islands
  • cuba
  • dominica
  • dominican republic
  • grenada
  • guadeloupe
  • haiti
  • jamaica
  • martinique
  • puerto rico
  • saint barthelemy
  • saint kitts and nevis
  • saint lucia
  • saint martin (french part)
  • saint vincent and the grenadines
  • trinidad and tobago
  • virgin islands, british
  • virgin islands, u.s.
Informations on Tabebuia heterophylla has been recorded for the following locations. Click on the name for additional informations.
Lorem Ipsum
Location Status Invasiveness Occurrence Source
Details of Tabebuia heterophylla in information
Status
Invasiveness
Arrival date
Occurrence
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Introduction
Species notes for this location
Location note
Management notes for this location
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Impact information
On the island Mauritius, Parnell et al. (1989) found that, \"T. heterophylla was spreading rapidly on the island, with small numbers of mature trees present but abundant young plants and seedlings. It appears to grow faster than any native or exotic tree on the island. Most T. heterophylla bear leaves and branches almost to the base and cast a deep shade under which virtually no other species grow. T. heterophylla is deciduous and its thick litter layer may also prevent the growth of native seedlings.
PIER (2004) states that, \"T. heterophylla is invasive in Hawai‘i. It is also reported invasive on Diego Garcia and naturalizing on Kwajalein (Whistler and Steele, 1999). T. heterophylla is also naturalized in some locations on Nimitz Hill, Guam (Bart Lawrence, personal communication).\"
Zimmerman et al. (2000) state that, \"T. heterophylla readily invades pasture via seed.\" In their study, Zimmerman et al. (2000) state that, \"T. heterophylla appears to facilitate the colonization of many common forest species that are unable to establish in recently abandoned pasture.\"
Weaver (1990) states that, \"T. heterophylla regenerates and forms pure stands on grasslands and degraded soils, in particular on exposed upper slopes and ridges, where competition from faster growing, larger, and more tolerant trees is lacking.\" In the seedling and sapling stages, T. heterophylla is an aggressive pioneer (Weaver, 1990), and it can maintain viable populations in both dry and moist forest habitats (Cordero and Molano, 1996).
Red List assessed species 0:
Locations
Mechanism
[2] Hybridisation
Outcomes
[2] Environmental Species - Population
  • [2] Alteration of genetic resources
Management information
Locations
Management Category
Unknown
Bibliography
16 references found for Tabebuia heterophylla

Management information
Aide, T. M., J. K. Zimmerman, J. B. Pascarella, L. Rivera, and H. M. Vega. 2000. Forest Regeneration in a Chronosequence of Tropical Abandoned Pastures: Implications for Restoration Ecology. Restoration Ecology 8(4): 328-338
Summary: A study surveying exotic species in Puerto Rico. White Cedar was studied and the implications of ecological restoration were mentioned and discussed.
Fleischmann, K. 1997. Invasion of alien woody plants on the islands of Mahe and Silhouette, Seychelles. Journal of Vegetation Science 8(1): 5-12
Summary: Research documenting and describing exotic invasives on Indian Ocean islands.
Parnell, J. A. N., Q. Cronk, P. W. Jackson, and W. Strahm. 1989. A Study of the Ecological History, Vegetation and Conservation Management of Ile aux Aigrettes, Mauritius. Journal of Tropical Ecology 5(4): 355-374
Summary: Research conducted on the island of Mauritius documenting the spread and impacts of species on native habitats.
PIER (Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk). 2004. Tabebuia heterophylla (DC.) Britton, Bignoniaceae.
Summary: Information on description, economic importance, distribution, habitat, history, growth, and impacts and management of species.
Available from: http://www.hear.org/pier/species/tabebuia_heterophylla.htm [Accessed 17 September 2004]
Varnham, K. 2006. Non-native species in UK Overseas Territories: a review. JNCC Report 372. Peterborough: United Kingdom.
Summary: This database compiles information on alien species from British Overseas Territories.
Available from: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-3660 [Accessed 10 November 2009]
Weaver, P. L. 1990. Tabebuia heterophylla (DC.) Britton, Roble Blanco, White-Cedar. Silvics of North America: 1. Conifers; 2. Hardwoods. Agriculture Handbook 654.U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Washington, DC. vol.2, 877 p.
Summary: Information on description, economic importance, distribution, habitat, history, growth, and impacts and management of species.
Available from: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/tabebuia/heterophylla.htm [Accessed 17 September 2004]
Zimmerman, J. K., J. B. Pascarella, and T. M. Aide. 2000. Barriers to Forest Regeneration in an Abandoned Pasture in Puerto Rico. Restoration Ecology 8(4): 350-360.
Summary: An account of species and its impact on pasture land in Puerto Rico
General information
Centre des ressources biologiques. Plantes tropicales. INRA-CIRAD. 2007.
Summary: Available from: http://collections.antilles.inra.fr/ [Accessed 31 March 2008]
Conservatoire Botanique National De Mascarin (BOULLET V. coord.) 2007. - Tabebuia heterophylla Index de la flore vasculaire de la R�union (Trach�ophytes) : statuts, menaces et protections. - Version 2007.1
Summary: Base de donn�es sur la flore de La R�union. De nombreuses informations tr�s utiles.
Available from: http://flore.cbnm.org/index2.php?page=taxon&num=aa78c3db4fc4a1a343183d6113ec46ba [Accessed 9 April 2008]
Cordero, R. A., and B. M. Flores. 1997. Germination of Tabebuia heterophylla seeds (Bignoniaceae) from a wet and dry forest of Puerto Rico. Revista de Biologia Tropical 44-45(3-1): 79-86.
Summary: A scientific study documenting the reproductive habits and requirements of species.
Fournet, J. 2002. Flore illustr�e des phan�rogames de guadeloupe et de Martinique. CIRAD-Gondwana editions.
ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System), 2005. Online Database Tabebuia heterophylla
Summary: An online database that provides taxonomic information, common names, synonyms and geographical jurisdiction of a species. In addition links are provided to retrieve biological records and collection information from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) Data Portal and bioscience articles from BioOne journals.
Available from: http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=34345 [Accessed March 2005]
Loranger, G., J. F. Ponge, and P. Lavelle. 2003. Humus forms in two secondary semi-evergreen tropical forests. European Journal of Soil Science 54:17-24
Summary: Research paper that gives a distribution location and background information on species.
Showler, D. A., I. M. Cote, and C. G. Jones. 2002. Population census and habitat use of Rodrigues Warbler Acrocephalus rodericanus. Bird Conservation International 12:211-230.
Summary: An account of an avian species, Rodrigues Warbler, in species habitat.
USDA-GRIN (Germplasm Resources Information Network). 2004. Tabebuia heterophylla. National Genetic Resources Program [Online Database] National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland.
Summary: Information on common names, synonyms, and the distributional range of species.
Available from: http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/tax_search.pl?Tabebuia+heterophylla [Accessed 17 September 2004]
USDA-NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service). 2004. Tabebuia heterophylla. The PLANTS Database Version 3.5 [Online Database] National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA.
Summary: Available from: http://plants.usda.gov/java/nameSearch?mode=Scientific+Name&keywordquery=Tabebuia+heterophylla&go.x=11&go.y=10 [Accessed 17 September 2005]
Contact
The following 2 contacts offer information an advice on Tabebuia heterophylla
Lavergne,
Christophe
Geographic region: Indian Ocean
Ecosystem: Terrestrial
Organization:
Conservatoire Botanique National de Mascarin
Address:
2 rue du P�re Georges Domaine des Colima�ons 97436 SAINT LEU
Phone:
(33) 02 62 24 92 27
Fax:
Triolo,
Julien
Geographic region: Indian Ocean
Ecosystem: Terrestrial
Organization:
Office National des For�ts
Address:
ONF. Domaine Forestier de la Providence, 97488 Saint Denis cedex
Phone:
692345283
Fax:
Tabebuia heterophylla
pink manjack , roble , pink tecoma, whitewood , calice du paperpape, pink trumpet-tree , roble blanco , white cedar, white-cedar
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Recommended citation
(2024). Tabebuia heterophylla. IUCN Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT).