Legume/Pea family, Fabaceae
Origin: central China
Habitat in the original area: forests, scrubs and forest edges on limestone soils
Habitus: A massive shrub or tree that grows up to 15 metres in its homeland.
Leaf: The heart-shaped leaves are whitish along their entire edge, which shines through against the light. They are vivid green and turn light yellow in autumn. The leaf petioles are noticeably thickened at both ends.
Bloom, fruit: In May, before the leaves appear, the entire tree is covered with small pink-purple blossoms. They grow together in abundant clusters. The fruit is a flat, elongated pod with several seeds.
Interesting fact: We can observe a specific phenomenon called cauliflory – blooms and fruits grow directly on older branches or even on the trunk.
