The Brazilian rain tree is a hardwood legume that goes by the Latin name Pithecellobium tortum. Like most of its relatives this tree has compound leaves, hardwood and is spiny. Easy indoor care makes this rainforest tree a great bonsai for beginners.
The Brazilian Rain Tree is a hardwood tree native to Brazil's rainforests. The Rain Tree has delicate branches and compound leaves with tiny light-green leaflets. The leaves fold up in the evening and open up again in the morning. The fragrant flowers are puffy and white or pinkish. The Brazilian Rain Tree belongs to the legume (Leguminosae) family, together with species including the Acacia, Tamarind and Powder puff. The Rain Tree tolerates dry conditions, however, it prefers to be evenly moist in a container. It likes warm temperatures and full sun in nature, but in a bonsai pot it should be protected from extreme heat and sun during the hottest days of tropical summers.
