Bauhinia variegata L., Camel’s foot tree

A naturalised species introduced to Hong Kong originating in India and S.E. Asia. The tree is of medium size with alternate large heart shaped leaves with 2 lobes and veins (11-13) radiating from the base of the leaf. The margin is entire and the surfaces smooth and hairless. Size ranges from 5 - 12 cm in diameter, petiole to 2.5cm long.

Flowering from February to May. Flowers pale pink, corolla of 5 narrow petals with top petal streaked with red and yellow, stamens 5 to 6. Ovary superior.

Fruit, dark pod to 30cm long, 2cm wide containing 12 to 16 seeds 15mm in diameter 1 - 2mm thick.