Cavanillesia (Cavanillesia platanifolia)
Discover Cavanillesia platanifolia, a towering tropical tree reaching 150 ft, featuring showy red-pink flowers and edible fruit characteristics.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Cavanillesia platanifolia, often known by its common name Cavanillesia, is a truly impressive, fast-growing deciduous tree native to the tropical rainforests spanning from Central America south into the Andes region. This species is notable for its dramatic seasonal cycles, shedding its leaves during the dry season only to display clusters of small, striking red-pink flowers while bare. Mature specimens of Cavanillesia platanifolia can soar to heights of 150 feet, creating an immediate vertical impact in suitable environments.
Gardeners in tropical, frost-free climates will appreciate the unique silhouette and specialized growth habit of this magnificent genus. The tree exhibits a deciduous nature dictated by local wet and dry seasons, a critical factor in its overall health and aesthetic presentation. While it is a very tall tree, its crown remains relatively sparse and hemispherical, offering dappled shade ideal for understory plantings.
Although best known for its monumental scale, the Cavanillesia fruit has an interesting note, being classified as showy and edible, adding an unexpected functional dimension to this landscape giant. When considering planting Cavanillesia platanifolia, one must ensure ample space for its substantial mature spread, matching its needs with the grand scale of tropical ornamental design.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Malvaceae
- Plant Type: Tree
- Native Range: Colombia, Ecuador, Panamá, Peru
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-11
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 40-150 ft
- Spread: 30-110 ft
- Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
- Bloom Description: Red-pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Effective cultivation of Cavanillesia platanifolia starts with site selection, focusing on providing the full sun exposure it requires. This species thrives best in tropical settings that mimic its native environment, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasonal cycles. In terms of soil, pursue evenly moist, well-draining loams; excellent drainage is paramount to prevent root issues in this large specimen tree.
Regarding ongoing care, watering should be managed according to local seasons; maintain consistent moisture during the growing (wet) season, and expect the tree to naturally reduce needs during dormancy (dry season). Fertilization needs are generally minimal once established, focusing perhaps on balanced slow-release applications in the spring if growth appears stunted. Pruning should be rare, focusing only on removing damaged or crossing limbs, as the natural shape of Cavanillesia is highly desirable.
This tree is specifically noted as being hardy in tropical Zones 12 and above but can be managed in Zone 10 and 11, where winter temperatures may dip close to its tolerance limit. Always observe the seasonal cycle; ensuring the tree is not water-stressed before a predicted cold snap can slightly increase resilience, although severe frost will damage or kill established Cavanillesia.
Landscape Uses
The towering stature of Cavanillesia platanifolia positions it perfectly as a magnificent specimen tree in expansive gardens, parks, or large estate grounds. Its height gives it significant presence without the dense canopy of many shade trees, allowing for interesting filtered light patterns below. Growing it as a flowering tree provides dramatic bursts of color during the leafless dry season, drawing the eye across the landscape design.
While it requires significant space—upwards of 110 feet in spread—Cavanillesia can serve as a focal point against large architectural backdrops or at the terminus of long vistas, capitalizing on its straight trunk and smooth grey bark. Due to its classification sometimes leaning toward Annual (likely due to use as a fast-growing screen in some non-native tropical areas), it offers rapid vertical screening, though its ultimate maturity places it in the long-term canopy layer.
Companion planting should focus on tropical or subtropical shrubs and perennials that tolerate medium water and full sun, and perhaps those that can benefit from the filtered light provided during the wet season. Avoid planting sensitive species too closely, giving deference to its 110-foot potential spread.
Standout Features
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
- Edible
Noteworthy Characteristics
Cavanillesia platanifolia, commonly called cuipo (sometimes spelled quipo), is a tall, fast-growing, deciduous tree native to tropical forests of Nicaragua south to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Mature specimens can reach between 100-150’ tall with relatively small, sparsely branched, hemispherical-shaped crowns between 70-110’ wide. The tree exhibits a fascinating deciduous cycle, where its lobed foliage falls during the dry season, allowing terminal clusters of small, red-pink flowers to bloom, followed by large, winged fruits while the branches remain bare.
Tolerances
- Drought
Potential Problems
Termites are a potential pest for the Cavanillesia tree. Given the description notes that the wood is light and not used for lumber—and that the trunks may swell to store water—it is a soft target for wood-boring insects in tropical regions. Regular monitoring of the trunk base and lower bark is recommended. Maintaining healthy soil moisture levels—but avoiding overly saturated ground—can improve the tree’s natural defenses against infestation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Cavanillesia suitable for?
Cavanillesia platanifolia is best suited for tropical USDA Zones 10 through 11, demanding frost-free conditions for reliable long-term establishment.
How large does Cavanillesia grow?
This genus can achieve significant stature, reaching heights between 40 and 150 feet tall, with a broad spread ranging from 30 to 110 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Cavanillesia need?
These trees require full sun exposure to develop properly and maintain healthy growth patterns.
When does Cavanillesia bloom?
Cavanillesia is a seasonal bloomer, typically presenting its red-pink flowers during the dry season while the tree is leafless.
Conclusion
The Cavanillesia platanifolia offers exceptional vertical interest and unique seasonal drama for large-scale tropical landscapes, boasting both showy blooms and edible fruit characteristics. Successfully growing Cavanillesia requires providing full sun and managing its medium water needs according to the wet/dry cycles of its native range. Before planting, ensure your location falls within USDA Zones 10 or 11 and that you have sufficient space for this colossal species to reach its full potential.
Companion Planting
When designing a landscape around a large, sun-loving tree like Cavanillesia, consider understory plants that appreciate the dappled light provided during the wet season while thriving in heat. Tropical groundcovers or ferns that tolerate medium water and appreciate some shade fluctuation can form a nice transition zone beneath the canopy edge. Look for species that are not overly aggressive, as the Cavanillesia root system will be extensive.
For visual contrast, partner the massive scale of the Cavanillesia with plants offering finer textures or different foliage colors. While the tree is leafless during its dry season bloom, pairing it with dark green or variegated tropical shrubs ensures year-round visual appeal when the majestic tree is dormant.
Seasonal Care Calendar
For gardeners managing Cavanillesia platanifolia outside its wet/dry native cycle, mimic these conditions as closely as possible. During the local growing season (corresponding to the wet season), focus intensely on medium, consistent watering and monitor for nutrient needs. As the local dormant season approaches, gradually taper off supplemental irrigation to encourage the deciduous response, which triggers the bloom of the red-pink flowers.
Winter preparation in zones 10/11 involves ensuring the tree is not excessively wet, as cool, wet feet can be detrimental to tropical species approaching their temperature limits. In the spring, as new growth emerges, a light application of balanced fertilizer can support the massive leaf-out phase following the bloom.
