Handroanthus albus
Specifications
Family
Bignoniaceae
Species
Handroanthus albus (Cham.) Mattos
golden trumpet tree
Description
The sapwood is yellowish and the heartwood is greenish-brown, sometimes with oily patches, and dusty when exposed to air. The texture is fine, with a dense grain. The density ranges from 0.85 to 1.10. Difficult to work, drying must also be slow to avoid breakage. It ignites easily.
Plant morphology
It is a tree up to 30 m tall, with a trunk diameter of 40-60 cm, and gray-brown bark with longitudinal fissures. It has compound leaves, with leaflets that are tomentose only when young on the upper surface. The inflorescences are terminal, with large, bell-shaped, yellow, tomentose flowers. The fruit is a linear dehiscent capsule.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
Central and South America.
Habitat and ecology
Heliophilous deciduous species, characteristic of the undergrowth of semi-deciduous forests at high altitude, it can be found in primary forest but only in the most open areas.
Uses
Use class
CU1
CU2
CU3
CU4
CU5
Application areas
It is used in carpentry, boats, and fixtures.
Threats and Conservation
Threats
Generally in good condition, but the harvesting of its timber (both legal and illegal) and the loss of its habitat can constitute threats at a local level.
Conservation measures
The IUCN does not report specific conservation measures for this species, it is widespread and no particular threats to the species have been recorded at a global level.
IUCN Red List
IUCN
LC - Least Concern - Low Risk
CITES. Year of assessment
CITES
2018
1975
2050
CITES Italia • Ultimo aggiornamento
2018
Appendix II
Technical data
Aesthetic characteristics
Grain
Obvious
Texture
Fine
Physical and mechanical properties
Density
ρ
ρ
1040
kg/m3
Radial shrinkage
Rad. sh.
Rad. sh.
51
MPa
Tangential shrinkage
Tang. sh.
Tang. sh.
64
MPa
Bending strength
M.O.R.
M.O.R.
166
MPa
Modulus of Elasticity
M.O.E.
M.O.E.
22760
MPa
Durability characteristics
Fungal resistance
Very durable
Insect resistance
Resistant
Miscellaneous
This species is considered LC by the IUCN, but the species still appears in CITES Appendix II as it belongs to the genus Handroanthus, a genus that contains species in a very poor state of conservation in nature and for which it is necessary to adopt the protection measures guaranteed by CITES.