Tabebuia blooms carpet Bengaluru in pale hues of pink and yellow

The city is abloom with colours from the pale pink petals of the Tabebuia rosea to warm gold hues of Tabebuia argentea

In the heart of our bustling city, the Tabebuia rosea, commonly known as the pink poui or pink trumpet tree, stands as a vibrant symbol of Nature’s resilience.

Originally native to Central America, this striking tree has adapted remarkably well to urban environments, proving to be a valuable asset in the city’s green arsenal, with its ability to thrive amidst pollution and limited space.

A deciduous tree, the Tabebuia rosea sheds its leaves before spectacularly blooming, creating a dramatic transformation from a bare silhouette to a floral spectacle. The soft, pastel pink flowers beautifully contrast with its deep green foliage, and during flowering season — peaking in late spring and early summer — the ground beneath becomes a picturesque carpet of fallen petals.

Sadly, the fleeting blooms last only a few weeks, and serve as a poignant reminder of Nature’s ephemeral beauty.

“People have started introducing plants from across the world,” says M Jagadeesh, Joint Director of Horticulture at Lalbagh. “While the Tabebuia rosea is native to Africa, it has been introduced to India, with other varieties, such as the Tabebuia argentea which bears yellow flowers, and the Tabebuia pallida which features light pink blooms. There are more than seven or eight different types of Tabebuia, and planting these in urban areas has become a source of fascination for people,” he says, adding that it boosts the supply of oxygen in the area.

The Tabebuia genus comprises a range of small to medium-sized trees, each with distinct characteristics. The Tabebuia argentea, for instance, is relatively small, typically reaching heights of about 25-26 feet, with a width of 12-13 feet, while the Tabebuia spectabilis resembles a shrub, almost akin to a mini tree.

The Tabebuia rosea and Tabebuia pallida have been categorised as medium-sized plants, with the Tabebuia avellanedae. These trees are well-suited for urban environments and are often planted as avenue trees, making them a popular choice in cities worldwide.