The "tower tree," scientifically known as Schizolobium parahyba, is a fast-growing tropical tree native to Central and South America. It's characterized by a tall, straight trunk and a distinctive, fern-like crown of large, bipinnate leaves. This tree is known for its rapid growth, reaching impressive heights in a relatively short period. 

Key characteristics of the Tower Tree:

Appearance:

Young trees are often unbranched and have very large, fern-like leaves, sometimes exceeding 2 meters in length. Mature trees develop a straight trunk, up to 40 meters tall, with branches concentrated near the top. 

Leaves:

The leaves are large and bipinnate, meaning they are divided into smaller leaflets. They can be over a meter long and have many leaflets. 

Flowers:

The tree produces bright yellow, nectar-producing flowers, typically in late spring or early summer. These flowers are followed by tadpole-shaped pods containing seeds. 

Growth:

Schizolobium parahyba is a very fast-growing tree, capable of adding significant height in just a few years. 

Habitat and Uses:

It thrives in open, sunny areas and is often used in reforestation projects due to its rapid growth and ability to improve soil fertility and reduce erosion. The wood is lightweight and used for various purposes, including boxes, toys, and paper. 

Other names:

It is also known as the Brazilian Firetree and Brazilian Fern tree.