Introduction to Tecoma stans or Yellow Bignonia
tecoma stans, Also known as Yellow bignonia, thunderbush, golden trumpet, yellow oak o Yellow hope, is a shrub or small tree native to America, widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas. It stands out for its lush yellow bloom Trumpet-shaped and highly adaptable. This species belongs to the Bignoniaceae family and typically reaches heights of between 4 and 10 meters, developing a shrubby or tree-like appearance depending on the conditions and management.
Botanical characteristics and morphology
- Height and build: It can range from 2-4 meter shrubs to trees of 6-10 meters, with branches from the base and an irregular crown.
- Sheets: Compound or imparipinnate, colored intense green, with 3-11 elliptical or oblong leaflets, serrated edges and pointed apex.
- Flowers: Large, in terminal clusters, of a bright yellow, fragrant and tubular or trumpet-shaped, highly appreciated for their ornamental appeal and for attracting pollinating fauna such as hummingbirds and butterflies.
- Fruit: Elongated pod, dark brown when ripe, containing numerous winged seeds.
- Cortex: Grayish-brown, rough and fissured in adult specimens.
- Hermaphrodite plant: Each flower contains both male and female organs.
Distribution, habitat and ecology
tecoma stans It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, especially abundant in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America. It adapts well to different environments, from deciduous and evergreen forests to dry scrub areas. It prefers stony, sandy, and well-drained soils. It is common along roadsides, roadsides, ravines, and rocky areas, and can grow between 200 and 1,500 meters above sea level. Its remarkable hardiness allows it to thrive in places with heavy rainfall or in drier regions, provided it has sufficient sunlight and drainage.
Taxonomy and classification
- Kingdom: Plant
- Subkingdom: Tracheobionta
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopside
- Order: lamiales
- Family: bignoniaceae
- Gender: Tecoma
- Species: tecoma stans
Name Tecoma It comes from the Nahuatl word "Tecomaxōchitl" and the Latin "stans", associating its meaning with the upright posture of its inflorescences.
Chemical composition and phytochemical properties
This species is the subject of numerous studies due to its content of alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids and glycosidesAmong the active ingredients are actinidin, thecomanin, and various phenolic acids. The leaves, bark, wood, and roots contain these compounds, which give the plant medicinal properties. Hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, insecticidal and healingSome of the compounds present are:
- Alkaloids: tecomanina, tecomina, boschniakina, among others.
- Phenolic acids and triterpenoids: caffeic acid, vanillic acid, salicylic acid, chlorogenic acid, protocatechuic acid, oleanic acid, a-amyrin.
- Glycosides: amareloside, stansioside, plantarenaloside.
These compounds justify, in part, their varied medicinal and agricultural uses. The chemical composition of Tecoma stans varies depending on the organ of the plant and the conditions under which it is grown.
Traditional and current uses of Tecoma stans
1. Gardening and ornamentation
tecoma stans It stands out in landscaping for its beauty and ease of cultivation. It is used as ornamental shrub, single tree or in hedges for windbreaks. Their abundant and showy blooms They are perfect for attracting wildlife such as hummingbirds, butterflies and bees, thus contributing to the biodiversity and ecological balance of the garden.
2. Medicinal and pharmacological use
- Diabetes control and prevention: Leaf and bark extracts are traditionally used to regulate blood sugar levels due to their hypoglycemic activity.
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic: Infusions of aerial parts are used to relieve pain, headaches and muscle problems.
- Treatment of digestive and kidney disorders: Decoctions of the root and bark are used for dysentery, gastritis, edema and various kidney ailments.
- Topical baths: The leaves and branches are applied locally to treat skin conditions, ulcers, sores, or musculoskeletal pain.
- Flower infusion: Recognized as a restorative, laxative and antipyretic.
- Use as a healing and vermifuge: Decoctions of the bark and root are also used for this purpose.
3. Agricultural and industrial applications
- Wood: The branches and trunk are used to make rustic elements in rural construction, crates, simple tools and charcoal.
- Use as a natural insecticide: The leaves, wood, and seeds contain compounds that act against various pests, such as the fall armyworm in corn crops.
- Roots in the brewing industry: At an industrial level, the root can replace hops in beer making.
4. Honey plant
The flowers of tecoma stans They are especially valued in beekeeping, since attract pollinating bees and bumblebees, promoting honey production and cross-pollination in the environment.
Tecoma stans Care: Growing and Maintenance
Climate and exposure
- Sun: It is a plant that needs exposure to full sun for most of the day to bloom in abundance.
- Temperature: It prefers warm, tropical/subtropical climates, although it can adapt to temperate zones as long as there are no persistent frosts. It tolerates heat and humidity well.
- Cold and frost: It does not tolerate strong frosts, so in cold regions it is advisable to protect it or grow it in a portable pot.
Soil and substrate
- Adaptability: It adapts to a wide range of soils, from sandy to clayey, but prefers fertile and well-drained substrates to avoid waterlogging.
- Organic material: It appreciates the addition of compost, humus or manure to the substrate, especially at the beginning of spring.
- pH: It tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soils, and also tolerates some salinity, allowing it to be grown in coastal areas.
Irrigation
- regular watering: It is essential during the growth and flowering phase, taking care not to flood the substrate.
- Drought resistance: Once established, it can withstand dry periods, but periodic watering promotes more abundant flowering.
- Sewer system: It is essential to avoid excess water to prevent root rot.
Fertilization and fertilization
- In spring and summer: It is recommended to apply balanced fertilizer or organic fertilizers to stimulate growth and flowering.
- Organic material: Incorporate compost, humus, or manure at the beginning of spring to ensure nutrient supply.
Pruning and maintenance
- Formation pruning: Preferably carry out at the end of winter or after flowering to shape and control size.
- Maintenance: Remove dry, damaged, or diseased branches, as well as seed pods, to encourage new growth and flowering.
- Potted plants: Adapt pruning and container size to control growth.
Plagues and diseases
- High resistance: Generally resistant to pests and diseases. It is rarely affected in home gardens.
- Potential problems: It may suffer from rust attacks (Prospodium spp), aphids or mites, especially in conditions of excessive humidity or in a greenhouse.
- Prevention: Maintaining good aeration, moderate irrigation and excellent drainage minimizes phytosanitary risks.
Reproduction and propagation of Tecoma stans
Multiplication by seeds
- Harvest: The seeds are obtained from the ripe, dried pods directly from the plant.
- Sowing: Sow in spring, in loose substrate (a mixture of black soil and sand), lightly covering the seeds.
- Conditions: Maintain constant humidity in a warm, preferably partially shaded location until germination. Germination takes 1 to 6 weeks, depending on environmental conditions.
- Transplant: Do this when the seedlings are between 12-15 cm and after 2-3 weeks of germination.
Propagation by cuttings
- Ideal time: Semi-ripe cuttings can be taken at any time of year in warm climates; in temperate climates, preferably in summer.
- Preparation: Take 15-20 cm cuttings from semi-woody branches, remove lower leaves and plant in a moist and airy substrate.
- Rooting: Keep in a warm, humid environment until roots develop. When the plants have grown sufficiently, transplant them to their final location.
Extra tips and warnings
- It can be invasive: In regions with favorable and uncontrolled climates, tecoma stans It can spread and naturalize rapidly, becoming invasive, so it is recommended to monitor its spread and perform regular maintenance pruning.
- Compatibility with animals: The flowers and leaves are generally safe for garden wildlife, attracting birds and insects. In large doses, some parts can be toxic if ingested, so caution is advised in homes with curious pets.
- Ideal for coastal gardens: Its tolerance to salinity also allows it to be located in areas close to the sea.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tecoma stans
- Is Tecoma stans a fast-growing plant?
Yes, it has an accelerated growth rate, making it suitable for quickly covering areas in gardens and parks. - Can it be grown in a pot?
Yes, but it needs to be pruned regularly to control its size and provide a wide, deep container. - Does it catch many pests?
No, it is resistant to most common pests and diseases, although excess moisture at the root should be avoided. - Can it be used in urban landscaping?
It is ideal for avenues, parks and public gardens thanks to its long-lasting flowering, low maintenance and resistance to adverse conditions.
