This graceful small tree is the Brazilian Raintree, Chloroleucon tortum. It belongs to the legume family, Fabaceae, and is native mainly to Brazil, particularly dry coastal woodlands and sandy restinga habitats. Kew also records it as native to Curaçao.

The feature that usually attracts the most attention is the trunk. It often grows in a twisted, muscular form, with smooth bark that may peel away in patches and reveal contrasting shades beneath. That naturally sculpted trunk is one reason the species is highly valued for bonsai and ornamental planting.

The foliage is delicate and fern-like. Each leaf is divided into many small leaflets, giving the crown a light, airy appearance. The leaflets may fold together at night, during heavy rain or when the plant is under stress. This movement is known as nyctinasty and helps explain the common name “Raintree.”

The flowers appear as small, rounded, cream-colored or white clusters made up largely of long stamens. From a distance, they can look like tiny powder puffs among the foliage. They are followed by flattened, curved or twisted seed pods, reflecting the species name tortum, meaning twisted.

In its natural habitat, Brazilian Raintree is usually a modest-sized tree, often around 12 to 16 feet tall, although cultivated specimens may vary. It is adapted to warmth, strong sunlight and seasonally dry conditions.

The species is considered Near Threatened in Brazil because much of its coastal habitat has been reduced or disturbed by development, tourism, sand extraction and other pressures. At the same time, it remains popular in cultivation because of its rapid growth, finely divided leaves and beautifully contorted trunk.

Brazilian Raintree is therefore a tree of contrasts: a rugged, twisting trunk supporting foliage that looks remarkably soft and delicate. It is attractive from a distance, but its real character becomes apparent when we look closely at the bark, the moving leaflets and the intricate structure of its branches.