Red trailing bauhinia
Bauhinia kochiana

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A deciduous tree. It grows 6 m high and spreads 3 m wide. The stems are erect. The branches are spreading. The leaves are a bright glossy green and have 2 lobes. The flowers are pink and have 5 petals. They are in dense rounded clusters near the ends of branches. The fruit are green and edible.

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

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It does best in rich, moist, well-drained soils. It suits a protected sunny location. It is damaged by drought and frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, SE Asia, Singapore

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seeds. The seeds need to be treated with hot water before planting. It can also be grown from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Bauhinia kupu-kupu kokiana, Kokiana

Synonyms

Phanera kochiana (Korth.) Benth.;