Bauhinia spp.
orchid trees
Tropics and subtropics of Asia, Africa, and the Americas
Overview
Bauhinia spp. is a genus of tropical and subtropical trees, shrubs, and climbers in the pea family (Fabaceae), called orchid trees or camel's-foot trees for their twin-lobed leaves and showy flowers. The twin-lobed leaves identify the genus: each is split at the tip into two rounded lobes, like a butterfly's wings or a cloven hoof, 2 to 8 in (5 to 20 cm) wide. Tree species grow 10 to 40 ft (3 to 12 m) tall with a spreading crown, while others form shrubs or woody vines that climb by tendrils. The flowers have five spreading petals and resemble orchids, in pink, purple, white, red, or yellow, often fragrant, opening over a long season in warm climates. Flat or sword-shaped seed pods follow and split open to scatter seeds, sometimes with an audible snap. The genus is spread through the tropics of Asia, Africa, and the Americas, growing in forest, savanna, and scrub. Bauhinia spp. is frost-tender, grown outdoors only in warm climates, and some species, such as B. variegata, self-sow and are treated as invasive where introduced.
Native Range
Bauhinia spp. is distributed through the tropics and subtropics of Asia, Africa, and the Americas, with many species in tropical Asia. It grows in seasonally dry forest, savanna, scrub, and forest edges.Suggested Uses
Bauhinia spp. is grown as a flowering shade and street tree in tropical and subtropical gardens, with shrub and vine species used on fences, pergolas, and borders. The flowers are cut for arrangements, and the trees are planted as ornamentals along avenues in warm cities.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 40'
Width/Spread10' - 25'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Bloom Information
In warm climates Bauhinia spp. flowers over a long season, with many species blooming from late winter through spring and some flowering on and off much of the year. The orchid-like flowers open in flushes over several weeks. Seed pods ripen and dry in the months after each flush.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink, purple, white, red, or yellowFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Bauhinia spp. grows in full sun on well-drained soil at pH 6.0 to 7.5 and tolerates a range of soils once established, including dry and rocky ground. It is frost-tender, hardy only in USDA zones 9 to 11, and is grown under glass or in large containers where winters freeze. Young trees need regular water to establish, after which most species tolerate seasonal drought. The wood is brittle and snaps in storms, so sheltered sites keep the crown intact. Most species flower most heavily in full sun and grow leggy and sparse in shade.Pruning
Trees are pruned after flowering to shape the crown and remove crossing or storm-broken limbs, since the brittle wood breaks easily. Climbing species are cut back to keep them within their support. Spent pods are removed to limit self-sowing where the species naturalizes.Pruning Schedule
spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing