Alien Invasives

06 October 2016

Other names

Pride of Bolivia, Racehorse Tree, Rosewood (English)
Tipoeboom (Afrikaans)

Invasive status

NEMBA Category 3
CARA 2002 Category 3

Description

The Tipu Tree is a large, massively branched, wide-spreading deciduous tree up to 23 metres tall. Its leaves are bright green and smooth. In late spring and summer, large sprays of golden-yellow flowers appear. These are followed by green winged seeds, 50 to 60mm long, that dry to yellowish-brown and remain on the tree all winter and much of spring. They are freely self-seeding.

Originally from

Brazil, Bolivia and Argentina in South America

Where is it a problem?

KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Gauteng

How does it spread?

Seed dispersal by wind

Why is it a problem?

Competes with and has the potential to replace indigenous species particularly along river banks. Because of its large size even a single tree could have a detrimental effect on a natural ecosystem. Trees along watercourses are likely to cause a significant reduction in stream flow.

Planting alternatives

Weeping Wattle (Peltophorum africanum), Karree (Searsia lancea)

Uses

Ornamental, shade, provides honey, fodder and timber