The Araguaney (Handroanthus chrysanthus) was declared the national tree of Venezuela on May 29, 1948. It owes its name to the Carib Indians who called it "Aravanei." In Venezuela, it begins to flower during the first months of the year at the beginning of the dry season.
The tree grows in the tropical forests of the Venezuelan plains, where the tropical savanna climate is characteristic. It also grows in Brazil, Panama, and Colombia, where it is called "guayacán."
Many species of Tabebuia and Handroanthus are cultivated for decorative purposes, as they are characterized by flowering before the deciduous foliage sprouts again. They are also valuable for carpentry, which appreciates the hardness, weight, and resistance to water and pests of their wood. Although they are not suitable for delicate work due to their difficult handling, they are optimal for outdoor materials. Some species are also extremely fire-resistant.
Here in Brazil, it is known as "Ipê" (Handroanthus chrysotrichus), with its yellow flower and unusual for blooming twice a year. Since ancient indigenous civilizations, different species of Tabebuia (especially T. impetiginosa) have been traditionally used for medicinal purposes.
The inner bark of this plant is often prepared as a tea and consumed for the treatment of cancer, obesity, viral, fungal, and bacterial infections, as well as inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, prostatitis, colitis, skin diseases, among others.
Some populations even use this plant as a treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and as an antivenom against snake venom. It is also used as an astringent and diuretic.
