Bauhinia forficata Link

A small tree. It grows 12 m tall. There are spines in the axils of the leaves. The leaves are 7-14 cm long by 13 cm wide. They are simple and alternate. The flowers are showy and have 5 petals. The flowers are 10 cm across and white. The fruit are 15 cm long by 2.5 cm wide. They are light brown and become twisted when dry.

Atlantic rainforest, most commonly in secondary formations and only occasionally in dense primary forest, favouring the rich moist soils of the alluvial plains.

The flower petals and fleshy and sweet and eaten or used as decorations on many dished and added to sweet, jams and jellies.

It can be grown by seeds, layering or grafting.