Tabeluia serratifolia commonly called Yellow Poui is a member of the Bignoniaceae family and is native to Central and South America.
With just three trees in the city, Yellow Poui has always been a sight for sore eyes with its spectacular display of showy yellow trumpet flowers. This magnificent ornamental tree sheds its leaves just before blooming so that it is covered with brilliant yellow flowers, making it one of the most
striking sights in Georgetown and the Caribbean.
Although planted for its beauty throughout the Caribbean it is also a shade tree and can be seen on plantations and driveways.
About two weeks ago, while I was out of the city, the only Yellow Poui on Brickdam outside of St Stanislaus College became a victim of the tree butchers. It was brutally chopped down by those attached to the Mayor and City Council’s clean-up campaign.
Calls to the City Engineer’s Office and the M&CC were met with “we will investigate.” Well, two weeks have long gone and there is still no word on how the Yellow Poui is no more! Mankind has become so selfish and unkind. The Yellow Poui posed no danger to anyone.
Meanwhile, believe it or not, next to the Yellow Poui is a Pink Poui which the butchers have carved up leaving their cutlass at the top of the tree and their sling hanging from its branches. Who checked off this ‘tree trimming’ exercise? How much longer must the citizens put up with this recklessness and lawlessness as the assault on the trees continues? (Continued next week)
Until then, Happy Gardening!
