Bauhinia purpurea L., Purple camel’s foot

A native species also found in S. China and S.E.Asia. The tree is of medium size with alternate large heart shaped leaves with 2 lobes and veins (9-11) radiating from the base of the leaf. The margin is entire and the surfaces smooth and hairless. Size ranges from 8 - 15 cm in diameter, petiole to 4cm long.

Flowering, from October to December. Flowers pink to nearly white, corolla of 5 narrow petals , stamens 3 or 4. Ovary superior.

Fruit, dark pod to 30cm long, 2cm wide containing 12 to 16 seeds 15mm in diameter 1 - 2mm thick. Seed forms very rapidly and trees in flower may already show numerous green pods. While most pods will open in the drier winter weather some may persist through to the next flowering season.