Tecoma stans
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Scientific Classification · Kingdom: Plantae · Order: Lamiales · Family: Bignoniaceae · Genus: Tecoma · Species: Tecoma stans
(L.) Juss. ex Kunth Synonyms · Bignonia stans L. · Bignonia incisa Hort. ex DC. · Bignonia frutescens Mill. Species ID: NMP-176, Common Names: Tecoma,yellow bells,chinese trumpet
creeper Local Names: Basic Description Tecoma stans,
commonly known as yellow elder, yellow trumpetbush, or yellow bells, is a
semi-evergreen shrub or small tree growing up to 10 meters tall. The plant
features opposite, pinnate green leaves with serrate edges and bright yellow,
trumpet-shaped flowers that appear in clusters. The flowers are showy and
fragrant, primarily blooming in spring and fall, although they can flower
year-round in favorable conditions. The fruit is a long, slender capsule that
turns from green to brown as it matures. Distribution and Habitat Tecoma stans is
native to the Americas, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions of
Mexico, Central America, and South America. It is also found in the Caribbean
and has been introduced to other parts of the world, where it is often grown as
an ornamental plant. The species thrives in well-drained soils and can tolerate
a variety of soil types, including clay, sand, and loam. It prefers full sun
and is highly drought-tolerant. Medicinal Properties Tecoma stans has a
history of use in traditional medicine, especially in Mexican folk medicine. It
has been used to treat diabetes, digestive issues, and as an anti-venom for
snake bites, particularly cobra bites. The leaves contain bioactive compounds
that bind to and inhibit the enzymes in cobra venom, making it a potent
alternative to conventional antiserums. Additionally, extracts from the plant
have shown promise in managing hyperglycemia and other metabolic
conditions. Known Toxicity While Tecoma stans
itself is not toxic, the honey produced from its flowers can be poisonous. This
toxicity arises due to specific chemicals present in the flowers that can
contaminate the honey, making it unsafe for consumption. This phenomenon
highlights the importance of understanding the interactions between plants and
pollinators. Additional Information Tecoma stans can
become invasive outside its native range. It has been reported as an invasive
species in parts of Africa, South America, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific
Islands, where it forms dense thickets that compete with native vegetation and
disrupt local ecosystems. References · External
links ·
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tecoma_stans ·
https://www.gardenia.net/plant/tecoma-stans ·
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=test ·
https://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Html/tecoma_stans.htm ·
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/tecoma-stans/ ·
https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/cabicompendium.52951 ·
https://portal.wiktrop.org/species/show/471 ·
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277878 ·
https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=tecoma+stans ·
https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:111284-1 ·
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST625
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