Handroanthus chrysotrichus aka Golden Trumpet Tree

Handroanthus chrysotrichus is known as the golden trumpet tree. It is part of the Bignoniaceae family. It is native to Brazil and northeastern Argentina. It grows in open rainforest sites, often near the coast. It also grows on sandy slopes where forest grows back. Garden trees reach 25–35 feet (7.6–10.7 metres) tall and wide. Some reach 50 feet (15.2 metres) in sheltered sites. The crown has a round but often uneven shape.

This tree sheds its leaves, though some keep them year-round. Each leaf has five leaflets spread from one point. The oval leaflets reach about 0.33 feet (0.10 metres) long. Young leaves bear fine gold hairs. Older leaves turn silver-green on top, with tan fuzz beneath. Leaves show no marked fall colour before they drop. Young trunks have tan bark with shallow cracks running upward. The bark grows rougher and its cracks deepen with age. Branches droop, and the tree has no thorns.

Bright yellow flowers shaped like trumpets grow in groups at branch tips. The main show comes when the tree sheds its leaves. UF/IFAS places this leaf drop and heavy bloom in April–May. It also says flowers bloom in early spring, before new leaves. Some trees bear a few flowers through the warm months. Long brown seed pods form soon after the flowers fade. Their hard shells bear gold or reddish hairs. Pods measure about 0.33–1.25 feet (0.10–0.38 metres) long. They can stay on the tree through winter.

Plant this tree in full sun, in soil that drains well. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and acid or alkaline soils. Soil with a medium level of moisture helps it grow. Once trees take root, they can cope with drought. UF/IFAS says these trees can live on rain alone. It lists USDA zones 10A–11 and calls for frost protection. Trees that grow back after a freeze may stay weak. Shelter trees from strong winds, since older wood breaks with ease. The tree needs little pruning and has no major pest problems. The cited garden account reports no diseases of major concern.

Gardeners grow it for flowers and light to medium shade. It suits patios, lawns, streets, and islands in car parks. Reports note few problems from roots, fallen leaves, or fruit. Trees with roots that circle can fall as they mature. People harvest its heavy, long-lasting wood for floors and posts. Useful Tropical Plants records a folk use of the bark as medicine. This does not prove the treatment is safe or works. The same source lists no known food uses or hazards. That lack of reports does not prove it safe to eat.