The young leaves of this special species have a red color and only later change to green. It has a decorative, two-lobed shape and is lightly hairy. With this shape it looks like a leaf of a Bauhinia species. Previously, this species was also part of that genus. Nowadays, however, the plant is considered part of the genus Phanera and this is mainly due to its climbing growth. Using tendrils, this plant climbs other trees in nature, as shown in the photos. The flowers are white and grow in small clusters. 

The species grows naturally in the rainforests of southern Thailand. Here it can be kept as a houseplant and possibly also well pruned. The plant can become quite large and can be guided with a rack or strings. Make sure you give it a sunny spot and enough water. 

Sowing description: Soak seeds for 12 hours in lukewarm water. Then sow them in seeding and cutting soil and let them germinate at 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. Keep the soil constantly slightly moist.  

Family: Fabaceae
Scientific name: Phanera aureifolia
Common name: Goldleaf Bauhinia
Native to: Thailand

Sowing time: Whole year
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: 12 degrees Celsius

Photos: Patrick Blanc (www.murvegetalpatrickblanc.com)