Bauhinia forficata

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Bauhinia forficata
Bauhinia forficata 01.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Bauhinia
Species:
B. forficata
Binomial name
Bauhinia forficata

Bauhinia forficata, commonly known as Brazilian orchid tree, [1] is a species of flowering tree in the pea family, Fabaceae, that is native to Brazil.

Contents

Taxonomy

Bauhinia forficata was formally described by the German botanist Johann Heinrich Friedrich Link. It belongs to the genus Bauhinia , a group comprising more than 300 species distributed throughout tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and South America. The species is a member of the Fabaceae family (also known as Leguminosae). [2] The epithet forficata refers to this forked or cleft leaf form. [2] [3]

Description

Bauhinia forficata is a medium-sized broadleaf evergreen tree that typically reaches a height of 25–30 feet (7.6–9.1 m) with a canopy spread ranging from 25–35 feet (7.6–10.7 m). The species displays a symmetrical crown that may take on a vase-shaped, rounded, or spreading form, and has a dense canopy with a medium texture. Growth is moderate under suitable conditions. [1]

Distribution and habitat

Bauhinia forficata is native to South America, with its natural range extending from the state of Rio de Janeiro to Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. [4] Within the country, it occurs in diverse ecosystems, including the semi-arid Caatinga region, forest fragments in the state of Paraná, and along the Amazon coastal areas. The species is not indigenous to North America. [2]

It typically inhabits well-drained soils and performs best in full sun or areas with high, intermittent shade, such as beneath open pine canopies. Although it is tolerant of drought, the plant benefits from occasional irrigation or afternoon shade during hot, dry periods to prevent flower desiccation. In alkaline soils, it may exhibit interveinal chlorosis due to nutrient imbalances. Bauhinia forficata is suited to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) hardiness zones 10A through 11. [1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson (1993). "Bauhinia forficata: Brazilian Orchid-Tree". University of Florida.
  2. 1 2 3 Cechinel-Zanchett, Camile Cecconi; de Andrade, Sérgio Faloni; Cechinel-Filho, Valdir (2018-07-01). "Ethnopharmacological, Phytochemical, Pharmacological and Toxicological Aspects of Bauhinia forficata: A Mini-Review Covering the Last Five Years" . Natural Product Communications. 13 (7): 1934578X1801300732. doi:10.1177/1934578X1801300732. ISSN   1934-578X.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: article number as page number (link)
  3. ↑ da Cunha, A. M.; Menon, S.; Menon, R.; Couto, A. G.; Bürger, C.; Biavatti, M. W. (2010-01-01). "Hypoglycemic activity of dried extracts of Bauhinia forficata Link" . Phytomedicine. 17 (1): 37–41. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2009.06.007. ISSN   0944-7113. PMID   19577450.
  4. ↑ Pizzolatti, Moacir Geraldo; Cunha Jr., Anildo; Szpoganicz, Bruno; Sousa, Eliandra de; Braz-Filho, Raimundo; Schripsema, Jan (August 2003). "Flavonóides glicosilados das folhas e flores de Bauhinia forficata (Leguminosae)". Química Nova (in Portuguese). 26 (4): 466–469. doi: 10.1590/S0100-40422003000400003 . ISSN   0100-4042.
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