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