Tipuana tipu (Rosewood) with seed pods

Description:

Tipuana tipu, also commonly known as Tipu trees, Rosewood, Yellow Jacaranda, and Pride of Bolivia, are South American trees of the genus Tipuana, and are members of the family Fabaceae (sub-family Faboideae). Fabaceae, the 'legume' family, is the third largest family of flowering plants with more than 18,000 described species. Rosewood is known for having a very aggressive root system, and can be a very invasive species. Most people would recognise these trees from their large 'helicopter' seed pods, and also the beautiful yellow flowers as they bloom each summer. In this spotting, these trees provide shade for a children's playground, and they are awesome trees that kids love to climb. They are as much a part of the playground as the swings themselves. >>>>>> PS: I'm sad to say that a massive storm in Brisbane on 27 Nov 2014 damaged these trees so badly that they were removed from the park. Category 2 cyclonic winds, torrential rain and large hailstones decimated them - http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/104...

Habitat:

In one of our local parks. They are very popular as shade trees around the parks of Brisbane, and thrive in its subtropical climate.

Notes:

Tipuana tipu has been planted in nearly all Australian states but has become invasive in north eastern New South Wales and many regions of Queensland, particularly Brisbane, south-eastern Queensland and further north to Rockhampton. This species is on the Alert List for Environmental Weeds, a list of 28 non-native plants that threaten biodiversity and cause other environmental damage. Although only in the early stages of establishment, these weeds have the potential to seriously damage Australia's ecosystems. See 'weeds search' reference for additional information.