Ginger Thomas

Scientific name: Tecoma stans

POWO Status: Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 57.99″ N, 64° 49′ 46.30″ W

Ginger Thomas is the National Flower of the US Virgin Islands.

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Observations:

Phenological Markers – Tecoma stans

Common Name: Yellow Elder, Yellow Bells, Trumpetbush
Scientific Name: Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex Kunth
Family: Bignoniaceae

Leaf Phenology

  • Leaf Type: Deciduous to semi-evergreen, depending on rainfall and drought conditions
  • Leaf Arrangement: Opposite, pinnately compound (usually with 3–13 leaflets)
  • Leaf Flush: New leaves emerge with the start of the rainy season or after pruning
  • Senescence: Leaf drop may occur during extended dry periods or cool weather in marginal climates

Flowering

  • Bloom Type: Tubular, trumpet-shaped, bright yellow flowers in showy clusters
  • Flowering Period (Tropics): Nearly year-round, with peaks during warm wet seasons
  • Pollinators: Primarily bees and butterflies
  • Phenological Indicator: Profuse blooms are triggered after rains or pruning; often accompanied by new foliage flush

Fruiting

  • Fruit Type: Slender, elongated capsule up to 25 cm long
  • Seed Dispersal: Capsules split open to release winged seeds that are wind-dispersed
  • Fruit Maturation: Develops a few weeks after flowering; persistent dry capsules may remain for months
  • Phenological Indicator: Visible green to brown capsules hanging below flowering branches

Suggested Photo Angles

  • Full shrub or small tree in bloom
  • Close-up of flower cluster
  • Developing and mature seed capsules
  • New leaf flush or leaf senescence
  • Habitat context (especially if growing along trails or near structures)

Notes for Monitoring

Watch for interactions between flowering and fruiting, as capsules often remain while new flowers emerge

Tecoma stans responds strongly to rainfall and disturbance (e.g., pruning, fire), which can induce synchronized blooming

It’s an important ornamental and pollinator plant, and may spread aggressively in disturbed areas

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