Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, Bauhinia ungulata is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree known for its delicate, spidery flowers and bilobed leaves resembling a camel’s hoof. It typically inhabits dry forests, savannas, and open woodlands, adapting well to sandy or rocky soils and tolerating seasonal drought. The flowers are distinctive for their long, narrow petals that curve and twist slightly, giving a spidery or ribbon-like appearance. They are usually cream to pale yellow and emit a light fragrance. The blooming season often coincides with the dry season when the tree is leafless, allowing the blossoms to stand out against bare branches. Leaves are bilobed, smooth, and leathery, folding together at night or during intense heat to conserve moisture. Photographed in Florida.