Bailey, L.H. & Bailey, E.Z. (1976) Hortus Third. A concise Dictionary of Plants Cultivated in the United States and Canada Macmillan Publishing Co, Inc., New York
Description of the genus
Tree. Leaves large, alternate, 2-pinnate. Inflorescences of racemes. Flowers showy, zygomorphic. Calyx zygomorphic with 4 upper sepals connate. Petals 5, the standard smaller than the other 4 petals. Stamens 10, free, exserted. Fruit an elongated pod.
Derivation of name: Named for Sir Charles Coville, Governor of Mauritius