Tabebuia heterophylla aka White Cedar

Tabebuia heterophylla is a tree that bears flowers. It belongs to the Bignoniaceae family. People call it pink trumpet tree or white cedar. It comes from the Caribbean, which includes Puerto Rico. Its range runs from Trinidad and Tobago to the Bahamas. It grows in dry, rocky woods and many other sites. It can spread onto new ground and helps restore forests. Useful Tropical Plants gives its conservation status as Least Concern.

Garden trees reach 20–30 feet [6.1–9.1 metres] tall. Their crowns spread 15–25 feet [4.6–7.6 metres] wide. Larger trees can reach about 59 feet [18 metres]. Young trees have a narrow, pointed shape. Older trees have broad, open crowns with uneven outlines. Sources say the tree grows at a moderate to fast rate. Most trees keep their leaves through the year. Some lose them for a short time as new leaves emerge. The smooth, silver-grey bark grows scaly as it ages. New twigs are brown, and the tree has no thorns.

Leaves grow in pairs, opposite or almost opposite each other. Each leaf has up to five leaflets, set like fingers. These leaflets are oval to oblong, with smooth or wavy edges. Their tops are greener than their pale undersides. Leaves show no marked autumn colour. Pink or white trumpet flowers grow in groups at branch tips. They bloom through spring and summer, and bees visit them. Long, thin, brown seedpods form soon after the flowers. UF/IFAS says these dry fruits do not attract wildlife. Fallen leaves and pods cause few litter problems.

Grow this tree in full sun and soil that drains well. It accepts clay, loam, or sand, and acid or alkaline soils. It copes with wet and dry sites if water drains well. Once established, trees cope well with drought and some salt spray. UF/IFAS lists it for USDA zones 10A–11. Gardeners use it for shade near patios and drives. It suits streets, parking islands, and other hot city sites. Prune to build strong branches and raise the crown. Branches can break, so the tree needs a sound frame. UF/IFAS reports no major pest or disease concerns.

People harvest its timber and grow it in plantations. The wood is strong, though termites can attack it. People sometimes use the leaves as tea. They also use bark and leaves in traditional remedies for several complaints. These uses do not prove that such remedies help or are safe. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards. This does not mean the tree is safe for people or pets. You can grow it from seed, but seeds soon lose the ability to sprout. Sow fresh seed soon after it ripens.