Bauhinia tomentosa (yellow bauhinia)
Index
- Pictures
- Identity
- Summary of Invasiveness
- Taxonomic Tree
- Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Description
- Plant Type
- Distribution
- Distribution Table
- Risk of Introduction
- Habitat List
- Biology and Ecology
- Climate
- Air Temperature
- Rainfall
- Soil Tolerances
- Notes on Natural Enemies
- Means of Movement and Dispersal
- Pathway Causes
- Pathway Vectors
- Impact Summary
- Environmental Impact
- Risk and Impact Factors
- Uses
- Uses List
- References
- Contributors
- Distribution Maps
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Top of pagePreferred Scientific Name
- Bauhinia tomentosa L.
Preferred Common Name
- yellow bauhinia
Other Scientific Names
- Alvesia bauhinioides Welw.
- Alvesia tomentosa (L.) Britton & Rose
- Bauhinia pubescens DC.
- Bauhinia tomentosa var. glabrata Hook. f.
- Bauhinia volkensii Taub.
- Bauhinia wituensis Harms
- Pauletia tomentosa (L.) A.Schmitz
International Common Names
- English: bell bauhinia; St. Thomas tree
- Spanish: bauhinia amarilla; flor de azufre; guacamaya americana; mariposa; petán
- French: fleur du sacré-coeur
- Chinese: huang hua yang ti jia
Local Common Names
- Cuba: bauhinia; gorro de Napoleón; guacamaya americana
- India: kachnar
- South Africa: Geelbeesklou; IsiThibathibana
- Sri Lanka: kaha-petan; petan
Summary of Invasiveness
Top of pageBauhinia tomentosa is a fast-growing shrub or small tree that has been introduced outside its native range to be used principally as an ornamental (USDA-ARS, 2015). It has escaped from cultivation and successfully established in a wide variety of habitats such as disturbed sites, roadsides, coastal forests, riverine forests and thickets (PROTA, 2015). Species traits such as the high production of seeds, a high germination rate, and the ability to grow in shade or in sunny areas are factors enabling the establishment and colonization of this species into new areas (Orwa et al., 2009; PROTA, 2015). Once established, it grows displacing native vegetation (Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012). Currently, B. tomentosa is listed as invasive only in Cuba (Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012) but it is widely cultivated and naturalized across the West Indies (Broome et al., 2007; Acevedo and Strong, 2012).
Taxonomic Tree
Top of page- Domain: Eukaryota
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Spermatophyta
- Subphylum: Angiospermae
- Class: Dicotyledonae
- Order: Fabales
- Family: Fabaceae
- Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
- Genus: Bauhinia
- Species: Bauhinia tomentosa
Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature
Top of page
Fabaceae is one of the largest families of flowering plants, including about 745 genera and 19,500 species distributed worldwide growing in a great variety of climates and environments (Stevens, 2012). Bauhinia is listed within the tribe Cercideae in the Caesalpinoideae subfamily. This genus comprises about 250 species of trees, lianas, and shrubs distributed principally in tropical and temperate regions of the world (Connor, 2001; Stevens, 2012). Bauhinia species are frequently planted as ornamentals for their showy flowers and foliage (Connor, 2001).
The genus name "Bauhinia" honours herbalist brothers from the 16th century, Johann and Caspar Bauhin. They were identical twin brothers, making it a very apt name, as the two lobes of the leaves, when folded together, are identical. The name of the species “tomentosa” is derived from tomentose meaning dense, interwoven hairs (Roux, 2005; Orwa et al., 2009).
Description
Top of pageShrubs, erect, to 4 m tall. Young branches puberulent. Stipules linear, ca. 1 cm; petiole 1.5-3 cm, slender; leaf blade suborbicular, 3-7 × 4-8 cm, papery, abaxially tomentose, adaxially glabrous, base cordate, 7-9-veined, apex bifid, lobes rounded at apex. Inflorescence a lateral raceme, 1-3-flowered; pedicel short; bracts and bracteoles linear, 4-7 mm. Flower buds fusiform, 2 cm, puberulent. Hypanthium turbinate, 5 mm. Calyx split spathaceously at anthesis. Petals light yellowish, subequal, broadly obovate, 4-5.5 × 3-4 cm, subsessile. Fertile stamens 10, unequal; filaments 1-2 cm, puberulent at base. Ovary stalked, tomentose; style slender, glabrous; stigma peltate, small. Legume flat, linear, 7-15 × 1.2-1.5 cm, sutures not ridged; valves leathery, splitting on the tree to release 6-12 seeds. Seeds brownish, compressed, 6-8 mm in diameter (Flora of China Editorial Committee, 2015).
Distribution
Top of pageB. tomentosa is native to India, Sri Lanka, and parts of tropical and Southern Africa from Ethiopia southwards to KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa (see distribution table for details; Roux, 2005; PROTA, 2015; USDA-ARS, 2015).
Distribution Table
Top of pageThe distribution in this summary table is based on all the information available. When several references are cited, they may give conflicting information on the status. Further details may be available for individual references in the Distribution Table Details section which can be selected by going to Generate Report.
Last updated: 17 Dec 2021Continent/Country/Region | Distribution | Last Reported | Origin | First Reported | Invasive | Reference | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Africa |
|||||||
Angola | Present | Native | |||||
Benin | Present | Introduced | Cultivated | ||||
Burkina Faso | Present | Introduced | Cultivated | ||||
Cameroon | Present | Introduced | Cultivated | ||||
Central African Republic | Present | Native | |||||
Chad | Present | Introduced | |||||
Congo, Democratic Republic of the | Present | ||||||
Djibouti | Present | ||||||
Egypt | Present | ||||||
Ethiopia | Present | Native | |||||
Gambia | Present | Introduced | Cultivated | ||||
Ghana | Present | Introduced | Cultivated | ||||
Guinea | Present | Introduced | Cultivated | ||||
Kenya | Present | Native | |||||
Liberia | Present | Introduced | Cultivated | ||||
Madagascar | Present | ||||||
Malawi | Present | ||||||
Mali | Present | Introduced | Cultivated | ||||
Mauritania | Present | Introduced | Cultivated | ||||
Mozambique | Present | Native | |||||
Niger | Present | Introduced | Cultivated | ||||
Nigeria | Present | Introduced | Cultivated | ||||
Rwanda | Present | Native | |||||
Senegal | Present | Introduced | Cultivated | ||||
Sierra Leone | Present | Introduced | Cultivated | ||||
Somalia | Present | Native | |||||
South Africa | Present | Native | |||||
Sudan | Present | ||||||
Tanzania | Present | Native | |||||
Togo | Present | Introduced | Cultivated | ||||
Uganda | Present | ||||||
Zambia | Present | Native | |||||
Zimbabwe | Present | Native | |||||
Asia |
|||||||
China | Present | Present based on regional distribution. | |||||
-Fujian | Present | Introduced | Cultivated | ||||
-Guangdong | Present | Introduced | Cultivated | ||||
-Guangxi | Present | Introduced | Cultivated | ||||
-Hainan | Present | Introduced | Cultivated | ||||
-Yunnan | Present | Introduced | Cultivated | ||||
India | Present | Native | |||||
-Karnataka | Present | Native | |||||
-Kerala | Present | Native | |||||
-Maharashtra | Present | Native | |||||
-Tamil Nadu | Present | Native | |||||
Pakistan | Present | Introduced | Cultivated | ||||
Sri Lanka | Present | Native | |||||
Taiwan | Present | Introduced | Cultivated | ||||
Yemen | Present | Native | |||||
North America |
|||||||
Antigua and Barbuda | Present | Introduced | |||||
Barbados | Present | Introduced | |||||
British Virgin Islands | Present | Introduced | Tortola | ||||
Cuba | Present | Introduced | Invasive | ||||
Dominica | Present | Introduced | |||||
Dominican Republic | Present | Introduced | |||||
Guadeloupe | Present | Introduced | |||||
Haiti | Present | Introduced | |||||
Martinique | Present | Introduced | |||||
Montserrat | Present | Introduced | |||||
Puerto Rico | Present | Introduced | |||||
Saint Kitts and Nevis | Present | Introduced | |||||
Saint Lucia | Present | Introduced | |||||
Trinidad and Tobago | Present | Introduced | |||||
U.S. Virgin Islands | Present | Introduced | St Croix, St Thomas | ||||
Oceania |
|||||||
Australia | Present | Introduced | 1843 |
Risk of Introduction
Top of pageThe risk of introduction of B. tomentosa is moderate to high, principally in disturbed areas near cultivation. This species is widely commercialized as an ornamental, and mature plants produce large amounts of seeds which may facilitate the establishment and colonization of this species into new areas (Orwa et al., 2009).
Habitat List
Top of pageCategory | Sub-Category | Habitat | Presence | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
Terrestrial | ||||
Terrestrial | Managed | Disturbed areas | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Terrestrial | Managed | Disturbed areas | Present, no further details | Natural |
Terrestrial | Managed | Disturbed areas | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural |
Terrestrial | Managed | Rail / roadsides | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Terrestrial | Managed | Rail / roadsides | Present, no further details | Natural |
Terrestrial | Managed | Rail / roadsides | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural |
Terrestrial | Managed | Urban / peri-urban areas | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Natural grasslands | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Natural grasslands | Present, no further details | Natural |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Riverbanks | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Riverbanks | Present, no further details | Natural |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Scrub / shrublands | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Scrub / shrublands | Present, no further details | Natural |
Littoral | Coastal areas | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) | |
Littoral | Coastal areas | Present, no further details | Natural | |
Littoral | Coastal areas | Present, no further details | Productive/non-natural |
Biology and Ecology
Top of pageGenetics
The chromosome number reported for B. tomentosa is 2n = 28 (Flora of China Editorial Committee, 2015).
Reproductive Biology
The flowers of B. tomentosa are bisexual, rich in pollen and nectar, and attract various insects such as butterflies and bees (Roux, 2005).
Physiology and Phenology
In Africa, B. tomentosa trees start flowering when they are two year-old and are usually very floriferous, bearing flowers during most months of the year. In southern Africa, flowering can be observed from December to March; young fruits appear in January and mature in June or later (PROTA, 2015). In China, B. tomentosa produces flowers and fruits almost year-round (Flora of China Editorial Committee, 2015).
Associations
In South Africa, B. tomentosa is a host plant for many butterfly species, with the larvae feeding on the leaves (Roux, 2005).
Environmental Requirements
B. tomentosa grows in dry and moist habitats from sea level up to 1500 metres. It grows best on soils with pH ranging from 5.6 to 6.5. It has the potential to grow in both shaded and full sunny areas. Adult plants can tolerate a moderate amount of frost, but seedlings and younger plants do not tolerate frost (Roux, 2005; Orwa et al., 2009; PROTA, 2015).
Climate
Top of pageClimate | Status | Description | Remark |
---|---|---|---|
As - Tropical savanna climate with dry summer | Preferred | < 60mm precipitation driest month (in summer) and < (100 - [total annual precipitation{mm}/25]) | |
Aw - Tropical wet and dry savanna climate | Preferred | < 60mm precipitation driest month (in winter) and < (100 - [total annual precipitation{mm}/25]) | |
Cs - Warm temperate climate with dry summer | Preferred | Warm average temp. > 10°C, Cold average temp. > 0°C, dry summers | |
Cw - Warm temperate climate with dry winter | Preferred | Warm temperate climate with dry winter (Warm average temp. > 10°C, Cold average temp. > 0°C, dry winters) |
Rainfall
Top of pageParameter | Lower limit | Upper limit | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Mean annual rainfall | 450 | 900 | mm; lower/upper limits |
Notes on Natural Enemies
Top of pageThe butterfly Deudorix diocles breeds in the pods of species including B. tomentosa, and larvae feed on the fruits and seeds. The flower buds and mature flowers are consumed by the grey lourie bird (Corythaixoides concolor). (Orwa et al., 2009).
Means of Movement and Dispersal
Top of pageB. tomentosa spreads by seeds. Fruits split on the tree to release 6-12 seeds/legume. Seeds can also be dispersed by water and by humans (Roux, 2005; Orwa et al., 2009; PROTA, 2015).
Pathway Causes
Top of pageCause | Notes | Long Distance | Local | References |
---|---|---|---|---|
Disturbance | Naturalized in disturbed sites | Yes | Yes | Orwa et al. (2009) |
Hedges and windbreaks | Planted as hedge plant in gardens and agricultural lands | Yes | Orwa et al. (2009) | |
Medicinal use | Used in Asian and African traditional medicine | Yes | Yes | Orwa et al. (2009); PROTA (2015) |
Nursery trade | Widely cultivated as ornamental | Yes | Orwa et al. (2009) | |
Ornamental purposes | Widely cultivated as ornamental | Yes | Yes | Orwa et al. (2009) |
Timber trade | Wood used to make rafters for huts | Yes | Yes | Orwa et al. (2009) |
Pathway Vectors
Top of pageVector | Notes | Long Distance | Local | References |
---|---|---|---|---|
Debris and waste associated with human activities | Cultivated as ornamental. Seeds escaped from gardens | Yes | Yes | Orwa et al. (2009) |
Soil, sand and gravel | Seeds | Yes | Yes | PROTA (2015) |
Water | Seeds | Yes | Yes |
Impact Summary
Top of pageCategory | Impact |
---|---|
Cultural/amenity | Positive and negative |
Economic/livelihood | Positive and negative |
Environment (generally) | Positive and negative |
Environmental Impact
Top of pageB. tomentosa is a fast growing shrub with the potential to invade and displace native vegetation: it is now invading insular forests in Cuba (Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012
Risk and Impact Factors
Top of page- Proved invasive outside its native range
- Has a broad native range
- Abundant in its native range
- Highly adaptable to different environments
- Is a habitat generalist
- Tolerates, or benefits from, cultivation, browsing pressure, mutilation, fire etc
- Pioneering in disturbed areas
- Tolerant of shade
- Highly mobile locally
- Benefits from human association (i.e. it is a human commensal)
- Long lived
- Fast growing
- Has high reproductive potential
- Damaged ecosystem services
- Ecosystem change/ habitat alteration
- Modification of successional patterns
- Monoculture formation
- Threat to/ loss of native species
- Competition - monopolizing resources
- Competition - smothering
- Rapid growth
- Highly likely to be transported internationally deliberately
- Difficult to identify/detect in the field
Uses
Top of pageB. tomentosa is primarily cultivated as an ornamental shrub. It is also used as a hedge plant along fences or between blocks on agricultural lands. Trees yield a fibre suitable for making baskets. The wood of B. tomentosa is used to make rafters for huts. Leaves are used to manufacture a yellow dye and as a fodder for goats.
This species also has widespread medicinal uses including as a febrifugal, antidiarrhoeal and antidysenteric remedy, and it is also used as an astringent. The fruit is said to be diuretic, and the seed is eaten in India as a tonic and aphrodisiac (Orwa et al., 2009).
Uses List
Top of pageAnimal feed, fodder, forage
- Fodder/animal feed
Environmental
- Amenity
- Boundary, barrier or support
General
- Ornamental
Materials
- Dyestuffs
- Fibre
Medicinal, pharmaceutical
- Source of medicine/pharmaceutical
- Traditional/folklore
Ornamental
- Propagation material
References
Top of pageAcevedo-Rodríguez P; Strong MT, 2012. Catalogue of the Seed Plants of the West Indies. Smithsonian Contributions to Botany, 98:1192 pp. Washington DC, USA: Smithsonian Institution. http://botany.si.edu/Antilles/WestIndies/catalog.htm
Broome R; Sabir K; Carrington S, 2007. Plants of the Eastern Caribbean. Online database. Barbados: University of the West Indies. http://ecflora.cavehill.uwi.edu/index.html
Connor KF, 2001. Bauhinia variegata. In: Tropical Tree Seed Manual, Agriculture Handbook 721 [ed. by Vozzo, J. A.]. Washington, USA: USDA Forest Service.
Flora of China Editorial Committee, 2015. Flora of China. St. Louis, Missouri and Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA: Missouri Botanical Garden and Harvard University Herbaria. http://www.efloras.org/flora_page.aspx?flora_id=2
ILDIS, 2015. International Legume Database and Information Service. Reading, UK: School of Plant Sciences, University of Reading. http://www.ildis.org/
India Biodiversity Portal, 2016. Online Portal of India Biodiversity. http://indiabiodiversity.org/species/list
Orwa C; Mutua A; Kindt R; Jamnadass R; Simons A, 2009. Agroforestree Database: a tree reference and selection guide version 4.0. World Agroforestry Centre. http://www.worldagroforestry.org/af/treedb/
Oviedo Prieto R; Herrera Oliver P; Caluff MG, et al. , 2012. National list of invasive and potentially invasive plants in the Republic of Cuba - 2011. (Lista nacional de especies de plantas invasoras y potencialmente invasoras en la República de Cuba - 2011). Bissea: Boletín sobre Conservación de Plantas del Jardín Botánico Nacional de Cuba, 6(Special Issue 1):22-96.
PROTA, 2015. PROTA4U web database. Grubben GJH, Denton OA, eds. Wageningen, Netherlands: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. http://www.prota4u.info
Roux LNLe, 2005. Bauhinia tomentosa in PlantZAfrica.com., South Africa: Lowveld National Botanical Garden. http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantab/bauhintoment.htm
Stevens PF, 2012. Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/
USDA-ARS, 2015. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Online Database. Beltsville, Maryland, USA: National Germplasm Resources Laboratory. https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomysearch.aspx
Distribution References
Broome R, Sabir K, Carrington S, 2007. Plants of the Eastern Caribbean., Barbados: University of the West Indies. http://ecflora.cavehill.uwi.edu/index.html
CABI, Undated. Compendium record. Wallingford, UK: CABI
CABI, Undated a. CABI Compendium: Status inferred from regional distribution. Wallingford, UK: CABI
CABI, Undated b. CABI Compendium: Status as determined by CABI editor. Wallingford, UK: CABI
Flora of China Editorial Committee, 2015. Flora of China., St. Louis, Missouri; Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA: Missouri Botanical Garden and Harvard University Herbaria. http://www.efloras.org/flora_page.aspx?flora_id=2
India Biodiversity Portal, 2016. Online Portal of India Biodiversity., http://indiabiodiversity.org/species/list
Orwa C, Mutua A, Kindt R, Jamnadass R, Simons A, 2009. Agroforestree Database: a tree reference and selection guide version 4.0. In: World Agroforestry Centre, http://www.worldagroforestry.org/af/treedb/
PROTA, 2015. PROTA4U web database., [ed. by Grubben GJH, Denton OA]. Wageningen, Netherlands: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. http://www.prota4u.info
USDA-ARS, 2015. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Online Database. Beltsville, Maryland, USA: National Germplasm Resources Laboratory. https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomysimple.aspx
Contributors
Top of page03/05/16 Original text by:
Julissa Rojas-Sandoval, Department of Botany-Smithsonian NMNH, Washington DC, USA
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