The swamp titi trees (
Cyrilla racemiflora) are blooming. These trees put on a wild display, with their long, white racemes jutting out in every direction. Racemes are tendrils covered with dozens of flower buds. The buds closest to the trunk open first and the rest activate over time. For folks traveling between the Student Union Building and the Fitness Center these flowers are hard to miss. Swamp titi trees flank the wooden foot bridge that covers the floodway between the SUB and the Fitness Center, which means that, at times, the flowers are quite literally 'in your face'. The trees like the wet ground, and have done well in this location, withstanding the necessary pruning that keeps the path clear.
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| Swamp titi trees (Cyrilla racemiflora) are pruned to shade the wooden bridge that runs over the floodway in the western part of the arboretum. |
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| These trees were donated by Jack Price in 1996, making them over 20 years old. Louisiana irises grow in their shade. |
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| Mature bark from 20-year-old tree |
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| Branch of Cyrilla racemiflora in bloom: racemes going every which way |
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| Flower detail |
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| Racemes and leaves |
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| Leaves of Cyrilla racemiflora |
You can find more images of the arboretum's swamp titi trees
here.
For more information about this species consult the following:
United States Department of Agriculture
Louisiana Plant Identification and Interactive Virtual Tours (LSU AgCenter)
Texas Native Plants Database
