Cercis siliquastrum L.

The sparkling pink flowering of the Judas tree marks the beginning of spring in the Botanical Garden. This species, belonging to the Fabaceae family, is widespread in urban forestry thanks to its high ornamental value and its resistance to environmental stress and pollution. Flowers come before the leaves. The small flowers are also emitted directly from the bark of stems and branches. This phenomenon is called "caulifloria" and it happens also in another tree species of the Fabaceae family, the Carob.