| Binomial |
Triplaris americana L. |
| Family |
Polygonaceae |
| Habit |
Evergreen dioecious tree producing wind-dispersed seeds |
| Bark |
Smooth, grey, pubescent when young and glabrous when mature |
| Flowers |
Unisexual, pink to red, in terminal panicles or axillary racemes |
| Fruits |
Yellowish brown achenes with three wings. |
| Flowering Period |
March and May |
| Pollinators |
Insects, bees |
| Native to Central and South America |
Many of several South American trees of the genus Triplaris have hollow stems that are inhabited by venomous ants which repel intruders and so the name ‘Ant Tree’. This taxa has a mutualistic association with several ant species within the genus Pseudomyrmex.
The Ant Tree is a fast-growing tree that grows in disturbed areas and secondary forests. This attractive species has become a popular garden ornamental and has often been planted in gardens, parks and along roadsides. The Ant Trees are harvested from the wild for their timber; which is mainly used locally for light construction, flooring, furniture and boxes. The wood is sometimes used for fuel. A bark infusion of tree is used in traditional medicine.
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