Colombia's rich biodiversity includes over 31,000 plant species, representing 11% of the world's diversity [2]. Among these, the Tecoma stans, known locally as Chicalá, Chirlobirlo, or Fresno, stands out with its vibrant yellow flowers [2, 3].
This adaptable tree, which can reach heights of 10 to 15 meters (up to 20 meters according to some sources), thrives in Andean dry valleys and intertropical coastal forests [2, 3]. It is found across the Americas and throughout Colombia, from the Amazon to the Atlantic coast, at altitudes ranging from 0 to 2,800 meters above sea level [2, 4].
The Tecoma stans can bloom multiple times a year, with each bloom lasting for two to three weeks [2]. Its adaptability to various soil types and its attractiveness to pollinators like birds and bees make it a popular ornamental tree, while also improving soil conditions [2, 3]. In fact, in Cundinamarca, Colombia, hummingbirds are frequently seen visiting its flowers [2, 3].