Description
Bauhinia tomentosa. (Fabaceae) Bush Neat’s Foot (e), Bosbeesklou (a), isithibathibana (z). Very hardy, fast growing, drought resistant, deciduous, scandent shrub with masses of yellow, bell-like flowers with a purple blotch at the base of one petal. It flowers throughout summer, in full sun or partial shade and makes a good container plant. It is the host plant to the Orange Barred Playboy butterfly the larvae of which feed on the seeds. It also attracts pollinating insects, which in turn draw insectivorous birds. The leaves and flowers are extensively used by traditional healers. Size 2 to 4m. Sowing: Soak seeds overnight in water before planting. Locality: Ex Hort. Harvest: May 2023
