Differences between two trees

[Chithra V]

Hi,
What are the obvious (for identification) differences between Parkia biglandulosa and Enterelobium cyclocarpum, that is apart from the glands at the (petiole?) of the compound leaf. Often the trees are so tall that it is difficult to get hold of the leaves.. We have both these trees on the roads of Chennai...
Chithra

[Stephen A]

Hello,

The leaflets of Parkia biglandulosa is fine and small when compared to Enterolobium cyclocarpum.
The other important difference is the nature of inflorescence: Parkia biglandulosa flowers are aggregated at the stalk of the inflorescence and appear like a Badminton ball or Tennis ball, hence the common name Badminton ball tree or Tennis ball tree whereas the Enterolobium cyclocarpum flowers are loosely aggregated, one can say large size Touch-me-not (Mimosa pudica) plant like flowers.
And the pods are totally different in these two species.
In Parkia biglandulosa, the pods are in clusters whereas in Enterolobium cyclocarpum it is solitary and twisted in a typical elephant ear like, hence the common name elephant ear tree.

http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/flora-kiuic/e/enterolobium_cyclocarpum_05s.JPG
http://wildwanderer.com/journal/flowering-trees/2/

Regards,

Stephen...

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[Dinesh Valke]

.... thank you very much, Stephen ji for the excellent tips.

Regards.

[Chithra V]

Hi,
Thanks for that explanation. I would also like to know if there is any difference in terms of bark/trunk?
Are both sets of leaves bipinnately compound?
Chithra