Yellow Bell Orchid Tree / Yellow Bauhinia

Afrikaans name: Geelbeesklou

Yellow Bell Orchid Tree

Photo © Steven Herbert

Bauhinia tomentosa

The Yellow Bell Orchid Tree is also known as the Yellow Bauhinia. It can reach a height of 4 metres but is often little more than a shrub.

It is only found along the eastern regions of KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo in South Africa. It can be found in a variety of habitats including coastal dune forest, bushveld and woodland.

During summer the Yellow Bell Orchid Tree gets its trademark yellow flowers. These are around 7 cm in length and the large petals are curled to make the bell shape. The fruit of the tree is pale brown seedpod.

This is an attractive tree to have in your garden if you live in a low altitude area. It is said to attract butterflies to your garden.

Above - Leaves of the Yellow Bell Orchid Tree

Photo © Steven Herbert

References and further reading

The Gardener - 2013/05 - Author: - Published: 2013 - Page: 28

The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei - Author: Elsa Pooley - Published: 1994 - Page: 150

Trees of Southern Africa - 3rd edition - Author: Keith Coates Palgrave - Published: 2002 - Page: 336

Gardening with Indigenous Shrubs - Author: David and Sally Johnson, Geoff Nichols - Published: 2002 - Page: 20

Indigenous Beginnings - Author: Anneke Kearney - Published: 2008 - Page: 25

For more info: SANBI

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