I have to admit I had to have help identifying last week’s mystery seeds. Steve P. identified the tree as the tipu tree, Tipuana tipu. Thanks Steve!

The tipu tree is originally from South America, but now it is planted as a shade tree throughout the world.

Although it is in the bean or legume family, Fabaceae, its seeds look like maple keys.

This type of seed is a samara, and it flies through the air like a helicopter. Most legumes have seeds in pods that resemble beans, so this is a very unusual plant.

The flowers are bright yellow.

They seem to be popular with bees.

So, now you know about a legume with seeds like a maple.

Have you ever seen a tipu tree?