Bauhinia forficata aka Cow's Foot

Bauhinia forficata is in Fabaceae, the bean family. People call it Brazilian orchid tree or cow's foot. It comes from South America. Its range includes Bolivia, Brazil, and northern Argentina. It also grows in Paraguay and Uruguay. It grows in Atlantic rainforest, often where woods have regrown. There it favours rich, moist soils on river plains. Gardeners grow it in tropical and subtropical parts of the world.

In gardens, it reaches 25–30 feet [7.6–9.1 metres] tall. Its crown spreads 25–35 feet [7.6–10.7 metres] wide. PFAF gives a greater height of 39 feet [12 metres]. The crown may form a vase or spread outward. Young trees vary in shape but grow more even with age. The trunk often leans, and trees may have several trunks. Twisted branches grow up, then droop at their tips. Brown twigs bear round, green leaves with two deep lobes. Leaves grow in turn on each side of the stem. Their veins spread from one point. Reports differ on whether trees shed their leaves or stay evergreen. Sources also disagree on whether the tree has spines.

White blooms look like orchids and open from spring through summer. Each bloom spans about three to four inches. Insects pollinate them, moving pollen between flowers. Flat, brown, woody pods follow, reaching six to twelve inches. Pods, leaves, and small branches fall as litter beneath the tree. The flowers suit a tree grown on its own for display. They also suit patio planting or a shrub border. The spreading crown gives shade, too. People use its wood for fuel, charcoal, and light work. They also use the tree to help restore forests.

Give it full sun and soil that drains well. It grows in sand, loam, or clay. Acid soil helps avoid yellow leaves linked to alkaline soil. It prefers moist soil but withstands drought once roots take hold. In hot, dry spells, water or afternoon shade protects blooms. University of Florida places it in USDA zones 10a–11. Prune young trees to form a sound set of branches. Weak wood can break, and low branches may need training. That source notes no major pests or diseases. A lack of potassium, magnesium, or other nutrients can harm leaves. It can seed itself around gardens.

People in South America drink leaf tea for health. They have long used it to try to lower blood sugar. PFAF reports mixed study results, not a proven benefit. Its food-use score is zero despite the recorded leaf tea. PFAF and Useful Tropical Plants list no known hazards. This does not prove safety for every person or pet. Useful Tropical Plants reports a 2011 assessment of Least Concern.