Family: Bignoniaceae
Origin, Description & Uses:
The golden bouquet tree is native to the tropical rainforests of northeastern Australia, particularly Queensland. It is a small to medium-sized ornamental tree known for its bold, glossy green leaves that are arranged in whorls near the ends of its branches. Its most striking feature is the production of large, rounded clusters of bright yellow, tubular flowers that resemble bouquets and attract birds and other pollinators. Because of its manageable size and dramatic floral display, it is widely planted in tropical and subtropical landscapes as a specimen tree, for light shade, and as a colorful accent in gardens and parks.
Risks & Threats:
This species is considered low risk for Hawaii. There is no evidence that it spreads aggressively or becomes invasive where it is cultivated. It does not appear to readily naturalize, nor does it form dense stands that would outcompete native plants. While all introduced species should be planted thoughtfully and monitored, current information indicates that Deplanchea tetraphylla poses minimal threat to Hawaii’s natural ecosystems.
High Risk Traits:
- Suited to tropical/subtropical climates.
- Host for spiraling whitefly (Aleurodicus dispersus).
- Intentionally cultivated as an ornamental.
- Seeds adapted for wind dispersal.
- Resprouts after fire; colonizes disturbed areas.
Low Risk Traits:
- No evidence of naturalization outside native range.
- Not listed as a weed (agricultural, environmental, or garden).
- No congeneric weeds.
- Lacks spines/thorns/ burrs.
- Not toxic to animals or humans.
- Does not increase fire risk.
- Not shade-tolerant.
- Requires specialist vertebrate pollinators (birds/mammals).
- Seeds not adapted for unintentional dispersal (no hooks, not a contaminant).
- Not dispersed by water, birds, or externally on animals.
