What is that purple flowering tree in our rainforest?

Thu, Aug 06, 2009 at 07:02:11 AM

In recent days I've been asked about the tree in the rainforest which is currently flowering. Showy purple flowers appear in the canopy of the Fairchild rainforest. It is Carpodiptera ameliae, a member of the Tiliaceae family, native to Central America. Commonly called mountain pear, it is a 30-40' tall tree with large evergreen leaves. In July and August, a profusion of panicles with many small lavender-rose colored flowers are produced. If you want to see Fairchild's mountain pear, stand near Glade Lake and look west toward plot 151.


Carpodiptera ameliae - mountain pear flowering now in Fairchild's rainforest in plot 151