Bauhinia kockiana Korth., Verh. Nat. Gesch. Ned. Bezitt., Bot. (1839-42) 87. (1841)

Named after H.M. de Kock [1779-1845], vice governer-general of the Dutch East Indies, and admired by Korthals as a promotor of science.

Synonyms
Phanera kockiana (Korth.) Benth.

Description
Liana. Leaves alternate to opposite on very thick short petioles, simple, not divided (unlike most Bauhinia), tripliveined, without hairs. Flowers placed in bundles, large, with five small green sepals, and five large reddish-pink petals and large protruding style. Fruit a reddish, flat pod, with persistent sepals at base.

Ecology
Open sites in forest.

Uses
Ornamental.

Distribution
Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo to Moluccas. Currently distributed across the tropics as an ornamental.

Local names
English: Orchid tree, Red trailing bauhinia.