Yellow Elder

Common Name: Yellow Elder, Yellow Bells, Ginger Thomas, Yellow Trumpetbush
Scientific Name: Tecoma Stans
Family: Bignoniaceae

General Facts:

• Popular ornamental tree
• Native to South and Central America
• Bright yellow trumpet-shaped flowers
• Rust-red lines are found on the interior of the flowers
• Flowers attract hummingbirds and bees which aid in pollination
• Sharply-toothed green leaves
• Texture of the leaf is slightly hairy on the underside
• Dehiscent pods containing seeds with papery wings
  

Interesting Facts:

• National flower of The Bahamas
• Official flower of the United States Virgin Islands
• Has many Spanish names, including esperanza, which is Spanish for "hope"

Medical Facts:

• Leaves and roots contain bioactive compounds, especially monoterpenes
• Used for a variety of purposes in herbal medicine, including the experimental treatment of diabetes, digestive problems and control of yeast infections