Tabebuia Rosea, Savannah Oak - 0.5 kg Seeds

Tabebuia rosea (Tabebuia rosea), commonly called the pink trumpet tree, rosy trumpet tree or savannah oak, is a medium to large deciduous tree growing 15-25 m tall with a straight bole and a rounded, layered crown of palmately compound leaves. Before the new leaves flush it covers itself in masses of trumpet-shaped flowers ranging from pale pink to lavender with a yellow throat, making it one of the most spectacular flowering avenue trees in India. Although native to tropical America, it has been widely planted across Indian cities and roadsides, thriving in the warm plains of the south, west and central regions.

It is grown chiefly as an ornamental and avenue tree for its showy spring bloom and quick shade, but the moderately hard, light-brown timber is also used for furniture, panelling, light construction and joinery. Its fast growth, tolerance of urban conditions and clean habit make it a favourite for street planting, parks and large gardens.

• Family: Bignoniaceae
• Native region: Tropical America (naturalised across India)
• Mature height: 15-25 m
• Growth rate: Fast

Sowing the seed: the papery, winged seeds need no heavy pre-treatment, though a short 6-12 hour soak in water improves and evens out germination. Sow them flat and shallow, barely covered with about 0.5-1 cm of light, well-drained nursery mix, and keep moist and warm; germination is usually quick, in about 7-14 days. Prick out the seedlings into polybags once they have two or three leaves and transplant to the field when 30-45 cm tall, ideally at the start of the monsoon.