Piptanthus nepalensis

This upright, mostly evergreen shrub is one of two species in the pea (Leguminosae) family, subfamily Papilionoideae. The leaves of shiny, quite leathery green leaflets make a good foil for the attractive yellow flowers, unmistakably pea-like in loose heads. These are followed by 8cm flat brown pods hodling several seeds. First introduced in 1838 and native in the Himalayas from India to western China, this specimen was grown from wild collected seed and can be seen at the front of the Himalayan Bed (Area N11) at the entrance to the bear pit.