Cynometra psilogyne

Cynometra psilogyne
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Cynometra
Species:
C. psilogyne
Binomial name
Cynometra psilogyne
(Harms) Rados.

Cynometra psilogyne (synonym Maniltoa psilogyne) is a rainforest tree native to New Guinea, belonging to the family Fabaceae.[1] Its young once-pinnate leaves are pure white and hang down limply at first. They grow to a length of 60 cm (24 in) in as many hours.[2] These white leaves are why it is commonly called the handkerchief tree. After about three days the leaves become erect and green.

References

  1. ^ "Cynometra psilogyne (Harms) Rados". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 4 June 2025.
  2. ^ Encyclopaedia of Papua New Guinea - Volume 2, Melbourne: University of Papua New Guinea p. 1128