Handroanthus serratifolius

Native from Trinidad and Tobago through tropical South America, this plant is a deciduous tree that can reach about one hundred feet tall. It sheds its leaves during the dry season, when clusters of yellow trumpet-shaped flowers appear at the ends of branches. Each flower opens into five spreading lobes. The long, narrow fruit capsules split to release many winged seeds. Its dense, durable wood is used for building posts, bridges and railway sleepers. The species is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Photographed in Barranquilla, Colombia.