A tipu tree (Tipuana tipu) is a shade tree planted frequently in the warmer parts of the world. In the United States it is used as a flowering accent tree or a landscape tree. The tree has a single trunk and a high spreading canopy. It can grow to over 60 feet (18 m.) in height and about the same in width. However, in cultivation the trees usually don’t get that big. Beautiful yellow flowers cover the tipu’s canopy during the summer months. These turn into the tipu fruit, large brown seed pods. Both flowers and pods create litter below, so this is something you should consider prior to planting.
Tipuana tipu is a semi-deciduous tree with a light spreading crown and spreading branches, usually growing 10 - 30 metres tall, though it can be smaller when growing in difficult conditions and there are also reports of trees up to 40 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be up to 150cm in diameter.
The tree provides a useful timber, and it is planted in reforestation programmes, for soil stabilization etc. It is also planted as an ornamental and shade tree near patios and as a lawn or street tree because of its thick growing habit and spreading shape. It is widely planted from the Mediterranean region to the tropics.
