A tall fast-growing neotropical tree native to Central America and the northern parts of South America, is renowned for its striking floral displays and is the national tree of El Salvador. This species is prominent in Neotropical urban landscapes, valued for its shade during the rainy season and its ornamental flowers during the dry season,​​ though some blooming can occur throughout the year. The flowers attract a variety of birds, give way to long fruit capsules, releasing numerous winged seeds that have a high germination rate. Photographed in Barranquilla, Colombia.