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Tabebuia bahamensis, commonly known as Five Finger, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree typically growing 15-30 feet (4-10 m) tall.
Growth Forms
Bark Gray to light brown
Slightly rough
Develops shallow fissures with age
Leaves
Palmately compound (five leaflets radiating from one point)
Each leaflet narrow to lance-shaped
2-5 inches long
Medium green
Slightly rough texture
The name, Five Finger comes from this hand-like leaf arrangement.
Flowers
White to light purple
Trumpet-shaped
Produced in clusters
Appear most prominently when the tree is partially or fully leafless
Showy and highly visible from a distance
Flowering often occurs in the dry season, creating a dramatic display against the landscape.
Fruit
Long, narrow seed pods (capsule)
Dry and cylindrical
Split open to release winged seeds
Habitat
Tabebuia bahamensis occurs in Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formations: Forest/Shrublands (coppice) and Pine Woodlands on both a limestone or sand substrate with good drainage.
Distribution
Occurs through out the Lucayan Archipelago as well as in Cuba and south Florida.
Ecological Importance
Flowers attract pollinators
Provides seasonal nectar source
Contributes to forest canopy diversity
Seeds dispersed by wind
Its flowering cycles support insect populations during dry periods.
Cultural Notes
Used medicinally as a strengthening for aches and pains and aphrodisiac teas, gastrointestinal issues, circulatory and respiratory problems.
Used in native landscaping and horticultural trade.
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