Bignoniaceae family, Bignoniaceae
Origin: the south-east of the U.S.A
Habitat in the original area: forests
Habitus: A tree growing up to 18 metres, its bark is grey-brown when the tree is young, and grey-black furrowed when it is old. The crown is widely spreading
Leaf: Long petiolate leaves grow oppositely on the branches. Their blade is up to 22 centimetres long and 20 centimetres wide, it is ovate with a cordate base. The reverse side is covered with trichomes (that is why it is lighter than the upper side). The leaves badly smell when crushed.
Bloom, fruit: It blooms from June to July with abundant panicles of white blossoms with purple-yellow tinge. The fruits are up to 45 cm long, narrow, brown capsules containing a number of small, elongated, fluffy seeds.
Interesting fact: For its decorative blossoms, it is often planted in parks and larger gardens.
