Brazilian Raintree

Scientific name: Chloroleucon tortum

POWO Status: Shrub or Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 53.68″ N, 64° 49′ 49.87″ W

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Observations:

Phenological Markers – Chloroleucon tortum

Common Name: Brazilian Raintree, Tataré, Jurema
Scientific Name: Chloroleucon tortum (Mart.) Pittier
Family: Fabaceae (Mimosoideae subfamily)

Leaf Phenology

  • Leaf Type: Bipinnately compound, small bright green leaflets that close at night or in response to touch (nyctinasty)
  • Deciduous Status: Semi-deciduous to deciduous in dry or seasonal climates; evergreen in moist tropics
  • Leaf Flush: New foliage emerges at the onset of the growing season or after rainfall
  • Senescence: Leaf drop may occur during dry periods or cool weather; older leaves yellow before abscission

Flowering

  • Inflorescence: Puffball-like creamy-white or pale yellow flowers in spherical heads, composed of many stamens
  • Blooming Period: Typically late spring to summer, though may vary regionally with climate and rainfall
  • Pollinators: Bees and other small insects
  • Phenological Indicator: Rounded inflorescences visible at branch tips; blooming may be synchronized across the canopy

Fruiting

  • Fruit Type: Flattened, brown seed pod; woody when mature
  • Fruit Development: Forms after flowering; matures over several weeks
  • Dispersal: Pods split open to release seeds; dispersal by wind and gravity
  • Phenological Indicator: Hanging seed pods visible in clusters after flowering; mature pods dry and often twist open

Suggested Photo Angles

  • Whole tree structure (notable for low, twisting trunk and flat-topped crown)
  • Close-up of bipinnate leaves (especially open and closed states)
  • Puffball flowers at branch tips
  • Developing and mature seed pods
  • Leaf flush and any seasonal yellowing or drop

Notes for Monitoring

Often planted as an ornamental tree in botanical collections and bonsai gardens

Chloroleucon tortum is valued for its striking architectural form and sensitive leaf movement

Leaf movement (closing at night or with touch) may not be a phenological marker, but is a useful visual behavior

Flowering and fruiting are often tightly seasonal, making this a good candidate for annual tracking

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