Lysiloma latisiliquum

[Zeeth]

Does anyone have any info on this tree? I picked up some seeds from what I thought might be Delonix regia, but after some research I'm almost positive that the trees were actually Lysiloma latisiliquum. I guess they are hardy for my area, as I see them EVERYWHERE! They seed like mad, and their seedlings cover the ground under them. How can you tell the difference between this and a Delonix regia? They look like they are more lanky and tall than D. regia, which is more spreading. Is this correct? I want seeds from a Delonix regia to grow, but I don't really know what to look for so far (if you are feeling generous, shoot me a PM and I'll give you my address to send seeds). Thanks

Keith

[virtualpalm]

Keith, I doubt that you see wild tamarind *everywhere* up in the Tampa/Bradenton area. They are native to extreme south Florida (Collier, Monroe, and Miami-Dade counties). Vegetatively, I guess it could be confused with royal poinciana... but the flowers and seed pods are definitely different. This species is probably borderline for your area... just as royal poinciana is. You might try jacaranda, though. It has a similar look overall, beautiful purple flowers, and more cold tolerance than the other two species mentioned above. Here is some additional info on Lysiloma latsiliquum in case you are interested:

http://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=909

Jody

[Zeeth]

Virtualpalm, I'm a beginner and beginners do make mistakes, so maybe you can cross check my photos of seed taken from the tree. Here are pictures I collected from the seed pods with an inch ruler for scale:

Here are links to pictures from a website of seeds from a Lysiloma latisiliquum. To me these look identical, and the trees they came from look exactly like the pictures I've seen of Lysiloma latisiliquum, but I may be mistaken.

http://www.bedbuddiescreation.com/images/S...%20tamarind.jpg

[Eric in Orlando]

Look up Leucaena leucocephala, White Popinac. I bet thats what you collected seed off. It looks similar but seeds heavily and can be a nuisance in the warmer parts of central FL and SoFL.

[Zeeth]

Look up Leucaena leucocephala, White Popinac. I bet thats what you collected seed off. It looks similar but seeds heavily and can be a nuisance in the warmer parts of central FL and SoFL.

You know what, I think you're right. I didn't know there were so many trees that had fern like leaves and seedpods!

[fastfeat]

Keith--

I agree with Eric. Almost certainly Leucaena leucocephala.

I've not seen any Lysiloma even in Punta Gorda. I think it's considerably more tender than Delonix regia.

[Eric in Orlando]

Its actually fairly hardy, similar to gumbo limbo. We had a 15ft specimen growing well that tolerate upper 20s with little damage but was crushed under falling debris in the 2004 hurricanes. I've been wanting to get another to replace it. They are very nice trees.

[Zeeth]

Hmm, I like the leaves of this tree, but I'd like a royal poinciana better, for the summer blooms. I guess I'll keep looking.

Eric, do you want some seeds?

[fastfeat]

Its actually fairly hardy, similar to gumbo limbo. We had a 15ft specimen growing well that tolerate upper 20s with little damage but was crushed under falling debris in the 2004 hurricanes. I've been wanting to get another to replace it. They are very nice trees.

Hmmm. Good to know. Maybe it just doesn't get planted then.

I'll see if Kirsten can get some off her neighbor's tree. It's a nearly 60'/20m monster with a 3'/1m trunk.

Is L. sabicu similar in cold-tolerance?

Edited November 14, 2009 by fastfeat

[Eric in Orlando]

L. sabicu is suprisingly hardy too. We had one tolerate 26F with minimal damage in 2/96. But it and a big ylang ylang were removed when that new building was built. There is a young one growing nicely in the White Garden. Both species are nice and should be used more in SoFL