This is a small to medium size tree, 25 to 50 feet tall and almost as wide with a light straight gray trunk, native to the tropical areas of Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil. The tree is partially deciduous.  Heavy clusters of showy pink flowers with a yellow throat appear on leafless branches in early spring. The spectacular display of flowers is followed by foot-long seed pods that hang onto the tree until winter. This tree does better in warmer areas and is considered drought-tolerant once established with no significant pest or disease problems. It is suitable for planting under power lines, in parkways, parks, and as an accent in a garden. We are very fortunate to have several specimens of this tree planted in parkways throughout Pasadena.