Yellow ipê (Handroanthus serratifolius)
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This species is one of the most iconic trees of the South American tropics, famous for its striking yellow blossoms that brighten the entire landscape during the dry season. It typically reaches 10–25 meters in height, has a straight trunk with hard, heavy wood, and a compact crown that makes it visible from afar. It blooms in vivid yellow clusters that attract large numbers of pollinators and are considered one of the most spectacular visual highlights of the Amazon.
Status: Vulnerable (VU)
The population is gradually declining — especially in areas with intensive logging.
Why is it disappearing?
illegal logging in Brazil
its wood is among the hardest and most durable in the world
high demand for hardwood
used for luxury furniture, construction, and musical instruments
slow growth → trees cannot regenerate their populations quickly enough
loss of natural habitat due to deforestation
Importance for nature and people
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an iconic Amazonian tree — one of the most distinctive species thanks to its yellow flowers
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an important food source for pollinators, especially bees and tropical insects
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provides extremely durable hardwood
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helps maintain the stability of rainforest ecosystems
Appearance
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Height: 10–25 m
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Flower: large yellow clusters, blooming during the dry season
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Trunk: hard, straight, with dense, high-value wood
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Leaves: pinnate, dark green
Where and how to plant
This tree can be restored only in tropical climates.
✔ Ideal locations
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Brazil
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Peru
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Bolivia
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lowland forests with seasonal dry periods
✔ How to plant
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in deep, well-drained soil
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young plants need partial shade, later full sun
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recommended to protect against timber harvesting during the growth phase
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suitable for restoring degraded forest areas
When to plant
During the rainy season — most commonly December to March.
This supports strong rooting and healthy early growth.
Why plant it
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restores an iconic and culturally important Amazonian species
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strengthens biodiversity and pollination cycles
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helps combat illegal logging by supporting legal restoration
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contributes to soil stability and microclimate regulation in tropical forests
