Hooker's Bauhinia, Mountain ebony
Lysiphyllum hookeri

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It loses many leaves during the year. It grows about 9 m tall and spreads 3-6 m wide. The bark is dark grey. The leaves have 2 lobes which are joined at the base. They are partly folded like butterfly wings. The leaflets are 2-3.5 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. The fruit are large flat pods. They are red when young and dry to dark brown. They are 3-5 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. There are 8-10 seeds.

There are about 250-350 Bauhinia species. Most are in the tropics. Also as Caesalpinaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in inland and dry coastal areas. It is resistant to drought but damaged by frost. It is usually in heavy textured soils. It suits hardiness zones 11-12. Brisbane Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Hawaii, Pacific, SE Asia, USA

How it is used for food

The nectar from the flowers can be sucked out or washed out with water to make a drink.

Edible parts

Nectar

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from treated seed. They are put into hot water before sowing.

Its other names

Local names

Pegunny, Alibangbang

Synonyms

Lysiphyllum hookeri (F. Muell.) Pedley; Possibly now Bauhinia binata (Blanco)