Machaerium tipu (Benth.) Kuntze.

Tipuana tipu is a large, spreading semi-deciduous tree to 20 m, but occasionally to 30 m, with a light spreading crown and spreading branches. Bark red-brown; trunk fissured and flaking with age, bark on the branches grey and cracked, sap from the cut branches red and sticky. Leaves pinnate, alternate, petiolate, with pulvinus base; leaflets light green, each narrowly oblong to oblong elliptic, 4-5 cm long; margin entire, tip rounded, often notched, on a short stalk. Flowers many, in long, loose sprays, each with wavy yellow-orange petals. They appear in showy terminal and axillary racemes or panicles; calyx small, bell-shaped, 5-pointed; corolla papilionaceous, about 2 cm long. Fruit usual for the Fabaceae family. The only genus in the family with single-seeded, flat-winged fruit, yellow-green at first, looking like blossoms, later grey-brown, fibrous; indehiscent, winged pod (samara) staying on the tree for a long time. The generic name ‘tipuana’ is derived from the vernacular name ‘tipu’.

Trees tolerate a wide variety of soils, including black cotton, but prefer medium clay-loam.

T. tipu is drought resistant and prefers sunny locations.

An attractive flowering tree whose natural range is Brazil and the mountain forests of Bolivia and which is now widely planted from the Mediterranean region to the tropics.

Artificial propagation is done using seedlings, and seeds are sown in pots after their wings have been removed. Wildings can also be used to regenerate plants, or seeds can be sown directly at the planting site. Germination rate of seeds is 90% or more.

T. tipu is a fast growing species that responds well to pollarding, coppicing and lopping. Trees are shallow rooted therefore should not be planted close to buildings as they are likely to be blown over by wind. They should be transplanted from their containers in cool weather, and the young plants should be staked and watered until roots are established. Planting in highly alkaline soil should be avoided. Occasional pruning and deep waterings is recommended, once the hardy plants are established.

Seed storage behaviour is orthodox, and seeds can be stored for up to 3 months at room temperature. There are 1 600-5 000 seeds/kg.

Shade or shelter: Used for shade near patios and as a lawn or street tree because of its thick growing habit and spreading shape; it also acts as a windbreak. Nitrogen fixing: T. tipu fixes atmospheric nitrogen. Soil improver: Dead flowers produce some litter, which improves soil texture and nutrient content. Ornamental: The attractive tree is suitable for planting in amenity areas.

Apiculture: Trees provide forage for bees. Fuel: T. tipu is a source of firewood and is used in the production of charcoal. Timber: The tree yields good timber (a variety of rosewood) and is used to make poles.