Bauhinia variegata, also known as orchid tree, mountain ivory, is a beautiful, tropical tree from the legume family with orchid-like flowers and unique, butterfly-shaped leaves.

Origin

• Originally from tropical and subtropical Asia, especially India (including the Himalayan region), China (southern provinces), Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, and other parts of Southeast Asia.
• Grows naturally in moist valleys, open forests, mountainous areas, along rivers, and in tropical lowlands on well-drained soils.
• Endemic to South and Southeast Asia; introduced and cultivated worldwide in warm climates (such as Florida, Australia, South Africa, and the Mediterranean).
• Adapted to warm, humid climates with drier periods; belongs to ancient tropical flora.

Care

• Grows as a small to medium-sized, semi-evergreen or deciduous tree up to 6 meters high and wide, with a broad, spreading crown and double-lobed leaves (cow-hoof or butterfly-shaped).
• Prefers full sun for the best flowering; light partial shade is possible, but full sun provides more intense flower color.
• Plant in well-drained, fertile soil (sandy-loamy, slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.5); add organic matter, but avoid heavy clay or wet feet (risk of root rot).
• Watering: regularly during establishment and growing season (spring/summer); moderate thereafter (drought-tolerant once established); keep soil slightly moist but not waterlogged; less water in autumn/winter to stimulate leaf drop and flowering.
• Hardiness: limited (USDA zones 9b–11); tolerates light frost down to about -5°C for short periods; in colder climates (such as the Netherlands) grow as a container plant and overwinter frost-free (min. 5–10°C, bright spot indoors).
• Fertilization: balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; potassium-rich during flowering; avoid too much nitrogen (promotes foliage at the expense of flowers).
• Pruning: light after flowering or in spring to retain shape; young trees lead for a single trunk; heavy pruning possible.

Use

• Mainly an ornamental plant grown for its spectacular pink, purple, or white orchid-like flowers in spring/winter; ideal as an avenue tree, specimen plant in gardens, parks, or streets; provides shade and a tropical atmosphere.
• Edible: young flower buds as a vegetable (in curries, steamed, or fried); flowers in salads or tea.