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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Fabaceae = Pea Family |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Flower Color: Yellow |
| Bloomtime: Summer |
| Height: 4-6 feet |
| Width: 4-6 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 30-32° F |
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Bauhinia tomentosa (Yellow Bauhinia) - A medium sized shrub to 4 to 6 feet tall (in cultivation) with gray-brown bark and arching semi-pendulous branches bearing attractive light green two-lobed leaves that have a rough texture. In late spring well into summer appear the attractive 1 inch long bright yellow flowers that have deep maroon blotch in the center in summer months. Plant in full sun and give regular irrigation to occasional irrigation. Hardy to about 30 F. In its native South Africa, where it is found growing from southern Kwazulu-Natal to Maputoland, Mpumalanga north to Mozambique, Zimbabwe and tropical Africa it is noted as being a large shrub or even a small tree to 12 feet tall but even older plants in cultivation in Santa Barbara have rarely exceeded 5 feet tall. This plant can be used a unusual specimen plant in near frost free gardens or as a large potted plant. Two such plants in large urnlike pots graced the entrance to the Santa Barbara Biltmore Hotel for many years. The oldest specimen we know of has been growing near the Biology Department greenhouses at UCSB for 30 years and is close to 6 feet tall. The name " Bauhinia " was a name given this genus by Linnaeus to honor the twin brothers Johann and Gaspard Bauhin, who were 16th century Swiss scientists - Johann was a botanist and Gaspard a botanist and physician. Using the name of these identical twin is fitting as Bauhina leaves are composed of two identical lobes. The specific epithet "tomentosa", meaning "hairy" is in reference to the velvety fruit pods of this species.
The description above is based on our research and observations of this plant growing in our nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens in the Santa Barbara area. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has additional information about this plant, even if they disagree with what we have written.
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