It is not a particularly tall or spectacular tree that is notable for the curious shape of the leaves, which will help us understand its common name. In its place of origin it is a perennial tree, but in the Mediterranean it behaves like a deciduous tree if the cold is very severe. If it is the right season, look at the flowers, which resemble orchids. It likes the sun a lot and it is one of the pioneering species in colonising forest clearings and freshly-cut areas.

Although we use it as an ornamental tree, in its places of origin, popular medicine attributes it with properties against diabetes.