Imagen: H.F. Link & F. Otto (1858). Smithsonian Institute, Washington D.C.

Brazilian orchid tree

Bauhinia forficata Link

Fabaceae

Bauhinias are trees of the Fabaceae family (as is easy to see by looking at their seeds). They are distributed in tropical areas all over the world and are popularly known as "orchid trees" because of their spectacular flowers.

Bauhinia forficata, also called Pata de Vaca, is native to northern and central Argentina, southern Brazil, eastern Paraguay and Uruguay. Its large white or pinkish flowers, less spectacular than other species of the genus, resemble a hoof, which gives it its vernacular name. It has thorns on its branches and produces large seeds in the shape of a leathery legume. Its use as a timber tree also gives it the name "False mahogany".