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

• Native to tropical and subtropical Asia, especially India (including 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; imported worldwide and grown in warm climates (such as Florida, Australia, South Africa, Mediterranean region).
• Adapted to hot, 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, fanning crown and double-lobed leaves (cow’s hoof- or butterfly-shaped).
• Prefers full sun for the best flowering; Light partial shade is possible, but full sun gives more intense flower colour.
• 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 (root rot risk).
• Watering: regularly during establishment and growing season (spring/summer); moderate thereafter (drought-tolerant if established); keep the soil slightly moist, but not soaked; less water in autumn/winter to encourage leaf drop and flowering.
• Winter hardiness: limited (USDA zones 9b–11); tolerates light frost down to about -5°C for a short time; in colder climates (such as the Netherlands) grow as a container plant and overwinter frost-free (min. 5–10 °C, light spot indoors).
• Fertilization: Balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; potassium-rich during flowering; not too much nitrogen (promotes leaves 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.

Usage

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