Nature Field Guide
Roble de Sabana
- Spanish name
- Roble de sabana
- Scientific name
- Tabebuia rosea
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Pico: “A native tree whose pink trumpet flowers brighten forest edges and open landscapes.”
Tati: “Let’s notice the leaves, flowers and habitat without disturbing the plant.”
Species overview
About the Roble de Sabana
Despite its Spanish name, roble de sabana is not an oak. Its pink to pale pink trumpet flowers and leaves made of five spreading leaflets help distinguish it from true oaks. Long, narrow seed capsules develop after flowering.
Flowering trees can be conspicuous beside roads and at forest edges. Observe from a safe path: the color of a distant crown is a starting clue, while leaf arrangement and flower shape help confirm the identification.
Identification
Key Features of the Roble de Sabana
Pink or pale pink trumpet flowers
Five leaflets spreading from one point
Long narrow seed capsules
Habitat & range
Lowland forest and edges on both slopes; records include Guanacaste, the Central Pacific, Osa and the Caribbean lowlands.
Local observations
Native to Costa Rica. Local presence and abundance depend on suitable habitat and growing conditions.
When to observe
Leaves and growth form can be observed whenever the plant is accessible. Flowering and fruiting vary with location, weather and the individual plant; ask a local guide about current conditions.
Conservation & care
Explore with an adult on permitted paths. Observe and photograph without picking leaves, flowers or fruits. Do not taste plants or let pets chew them. Avoid climbing trees and disturbing roots, seedlings or visiting wildlife.
Threats & pressures
Protect suitable habitat, mature trees and natural regeneration. Avoid trampling, unauthorized clearing and collection.
Observation activity
Compare a picture of this flower with cortez amarillo. Name one shared shape and one different color.
Explore by location
Caribbean · Central Pacific · Guanacaste · Puntarenas & the Gulf Islands · South Pacific · Guanacaste · Limón · Puntarenas · San José