Bauhinia natalensis is a rewarding indigenous shrub recognised for its butterfly-shaped leaves that fold closed in low light conditions. Although naturally occurring along the KZN coast and Eastern Cape bushveld, it thrives in Midlands gardens where its fragrant white and pink flowers attract sunbirds and moth species including the Common Emperor and Banded Achaea. Fast growing, drought tolerant and easily grown from seed, it is an excellent biodiversity shrub for smaller gardens and forest-edge planting.