Tipu tree is native to South America. It prefers a mean annual rainfall of 700 - 900mm, tolerating 600 - 1,000mm and can succeed in more humid areas with a mean annual rainfall in excess of 2,500mm. It tolerates a wide variety of soils, including black cotton, but prefers a medium clay-loam. Established plants are drought resistant. In Kampala, this tree can be found in Makerere University among other places.

A spreading tree quickly reaching 15 m tall, and capable of growing up to 30 m or more in height.

BARK: reddish brown bark on the main trunk is rough and fissured.

LEAVES: Pinnately compound leaves, 11 to 21 oblong leaflets, light green in color; medium texture.

FLOWERS: yellow to apricot pea shaped flowers.

FRUITS: samara-like 1 to 3 seeded winged pod. It has a hard rounded base and a large thin wing (4-7 cm long) that causes the fruit to rotate as it falls to the ground. These fruit turn from green to pale brown in color as they mature.

Agroforestry: its fast growth makes it a valuable species for reforestation and soil conservation projects, whilst it is also planted to provide shelter from the wind.

A valuable timber, the wood is used for furniture and cabinet making

The wood is used for fuel and charcoal.

An ornamental tree.