Bauhinia tomentosa grows from the coastal Eastern Cape and southern Natal to Limpopo and Mpumalanga, as well as the north eastern parts of Gauteng.
Bauhinia tomentosa is a multi-stemmed small tree/shrub characterised by bi-lobed leaves resembling butterfly wings. Bauhinia tomentosa’s bark is grey, smooth and slightly hairy on younger branches, as they mature the branches become brown in colour. Bauhinia tomentosa is a fast grower, with a growth rate of about 900mm per year. The drooping, solitary, yellow flowers are borne during most months of the year. After flowering, velvety woody brown pods develop that split on the tree, dispersing the seeds. It is evergreen in areas with a temperate climate but can be deciduous in colder or drier areas.
The Yellow Bauhinia is an ideal plant for hedging. Because of its height (2-3m), this tree is suitable for small gardens. This tree grows well under full sun and shade conditions. The root system is not so aggressive hence this tree can be planted close to the swimming pool or paving. It is also suitable for growing in a container on the patio.Bauhinia tomentosa can tolerate mild frost. Trim it occasionally to keep it tidy.
In addition to its ornamental use, Bauhinia tomentosa also has medicinal properties for instance, its flowers are used as remedy for Dysentery and Diarrhoea. It can tolerate light frost and is resistant to drought conditions to a certain extent.
You may find stock of this plant at Random Harvest.