Description

General aspect and origins - Tipuana tipu syn. Tipuana speciosa, is also known as rosewood, pride of Bolivia or tipu tree. It is a tree that is native to Southern Brazil and to Bolivia, that looks like Robinia pseudoacacia. But unlike the black locust, the rosewood is a thornless tree. It is a fast grower which blooms in spring.
Leaves - Leaves of Tipuana tipu are briefly decidious. They are alternate, opposite and imparipinnate. They can be up to 12 in (30 cm) long. Indidual leaflets are about 2.5 in (6 cm) long. The foliage of the rosewood is similar to that of the black locust, Robinia pseudoacacia.
Flowers - Flowers are grouped in axillary or terminal racemes, and bloom in spring. They are yellow, with a brown part at its basis.
Fruits - The fruits are brown, flattened and winged, similar to that of some mapple trees, and can be more that 3 in (7.5 cm) long.

Culture

The rosewood is often used as a street tree in warm places, as its dense foliage provides large shady areas. This tree is frost hardy in USDA zones 9b and warmer, and could be tried in sheltered places in zones 9a. A young tree may withstand temperatures down to 27°F (-3°C) but a mature tree will withstand down to about 23°F (-5°C).
Soil - The rosewood prefers a fertile and well-drained ground, and a full-sun exposure. This tree is drought-hardy.

Propagation

The pride of Bolivia can be propagated by seeds, which is fairly easy in spring.