World Plants

Amherstia nobilis (Pride of Burma, Orchid Tree)

Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Amherstia
Species	nobilis
Category	Tropicals, Woody
Type	Tree (evergreen)
Origin	Myanmar (Burma).
Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer	Eatable leaves and flowers.

USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone	Requires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height	18 m
Growth	Slow

General Description	An evergreen tree growing around 18 m tall with a wide, spreading canopy. The flowers and leaves are sometimes eaten.
ID Characteristic	This plant has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Shape	A wide, spreading canopy.
Propagation	By seed, stem cuttings of greenwood, and air layering.
Cultivation	Grow in a moist, humus-rich, fertile soil in a humid, sunny to partially shaded position.
Notable Specimens	Royal Park Rajapruek, Mae Hia, Thailand.
Habitat	Lowland, monsoon teak forest on calcareous soil.
Leaf Description	Compound leaves bear 6 - 8 large leaflets, oblong in shape and a whitish colour underneath.
Flower Description	Large, irregular, yellow-spotted scarlet flowers.
Fruit Description	1-20 cm long, scimitar-shaped with a woody outer case opens to disperse the seeds.