Schizolobium parahyba (Vell.) S.F.Blake has Tropical America origin. The name of the species was presumed come from a river “Paraiba” in Southeast Brazil. With observed growth as 3 meters per year, the species was declared to be one of the fastest growing tree. In addition to its growth rate, the species has few distinctive characters which easily can be recognized: the bark is green; the trunk is straight, tall, branching occur about 5 meter from the soil – to which it was granted its name “Tower tree”; the leaves are compound and may reach more than 1 meter; the flower is bright yellow and arises at the terminal. Here in Malaysia, the tree is flowering from January to February. However, on its origin land, the tree is bloom from October to December.

Schizolobium parahyba has been planted widely as ornamental plant. Its excellent characters namely: fast growth rate, distinctive shape, and attractive flower make the tree currently among of the favorable ones to be planted on gardens and parks. I saw the tree for the first time in year 2000 at Nanyang Technological University – Singapore. Here, the tree flower after three years of planting.


Circle identifies the land origin of Schizolobium parahyba.


A 20 meters tree of Schizolobium parahyba.


Leaves are born in rosette arrangement.


Flowers of previous year. Photo was taken on February 6, 2015 at Tunas Harapan Nursery - Malaysia.


Flowers of current season. Photo was taken on 20 February, 2016. Please notice the young fruit. The fruit is expected to be ripe within two months.


Fallen flowers. The bright yellow color nicely contrasts with the green grass.


Detail of the flower.


A dried leaf. The leaf is more than 1 meter long.