Biosystematics of Bauhinia hookeri Muell and Hardwickia binata Roxb

The genus Bauhinia is distinguishable by their paired leaflets, petals with long claw, tetracytic stomata, acrodromous venation, absence of trichomes, tri-colporate pollen grains and presence of 26 phenolic compounds. Hardwickia is also distinguishable by their leaflets in pair, apetalous flowers, anisocytic and paracytic stomata,acrodromous venation, absence of trichomes, periporate and verrucate pollen grains, which are unique to Caesalpiniaceae. 17 phenolic compounds were recorded. The present study on Hardwickia has shown resemblance more with the genus Bauhinia particularly B. hookeri which justifies their treatment under a common tribe.