Bauhinia divaricata

Native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, this erect or arching shrub or small tree reaches about 13 feet tall or more. It grows in rocky woodlands and has deeply divided leaves that give it the common name bull hoof. The flowers open white and turn pink as they age. Each has one long, pollen-producing stamen and nine shorter sterile stamens. Some flowers function only as male flowers, while others can also produce fruit. The pods contain 3 to 10 flattened seeds. Photographed in Florida.