Chloroleucon tortum aka Jurema

Chloroleucon tortum is also called Brazilian rain tree. It belongs to Fabaceae, the pea family. Kew gives Brazil and Curaçao as its native range. It grows in the tropics, where there is a dry season. In eastern Brazil, it grows in forests and coastal thickets. These include restinga, a coastal habitat with sandy soil. It grows in old forest and where forest grows back. It often grows where trees stand farther apart.

This spiny tree sheds its leaves. It forms a broad, open crown. Reports give heights of 20–39 feet [6–12 metres]. Useful Tropical Plants also gives a height of 30 feet [9 metres]. Its straight trunk can span 1–1.6 feet [0.3–0.5 metres] across. The trunk gives the tree much of its garden appeal. Fine leaf divisions give the leaves a light, fine look. They fold as light fades, even when clouds cause this. Fluffy, cream-white flower heads grow close to the stems. Chicago Botanic Garden gives March–April as its bloom time. This entry uses the tree's current name. Its entry under the synonym Pithecellobium tortum gives September–December instead.

Choose a sunny site. Chicago also lists part shade. The tree grows in many kinds of soil. The garden's entry under the synonym lists moist soil. Young trees grow fast when conditions suit them. From seed, they may reach 8 feet [2.5 metres] within two years. Bacteria in root nodules take nitrogen from the air. The tree uses some of it. Plants nearby may gain from it too. Chicago gives USDA zones 10–11 under the current name. Its entry under the synonym gives zones 10–13. That entry also says to protect the tree before frost.

Gardeners grow this tree as a specimen, including in urban sites. Its blooms draw butterflies. It also acts as a pioneer tree to help restore woods. People cut wild trees for their fine-looking wood. The wood is hard and dense. It lasts well when kept dry. People use it for fine cabinets, turned objects, and tool handles. Fresh seed can sprout within 8–20 days. Yet few seeds sprout. Useful Tropical Plants says fewer than one-fifth may do so.

Loss of habitat puts this tree at risk within its small range. Useful Tropical Plants cites a 2011 assessment of Critically Endangered. This old listing does not mean someone has checked its status again. The same source lists no known food or medicinal uses. It also lists no known hazards. That does not mean anyone has proved it safe.