Bauhinia purpurea (Orchid Tree)

Botanical names: Bauhinia purpurea, Phanera purpurea

Common names: Orchid Tree, Butterfly Tree

Family: Fabaceae

Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae

Origin: Australia and East Asia

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Nice landscape tree, good shade tree for summer. Bauhinias were named in honor of the brothers Bauhin, Swiss botanists of the 16th-17th century. Their characteristic twin lobed leaves give them a definite tropical look. Sensitive to chlorosis, treat with iron chelate. Although not generally necessary, they can be pruned after flowering. Flowers are fragrant.

Learn more: Bauhinias: trees with Orchid Flowers and Butterfly Wings

Similar plants: Bauhinia purpurea (Orchid Tree)

• Bauhinia bassacensis (Bauhinia)
• Bauhinia bidentata (Orange Bauhinia)
• Bauhinia corymbosa (Vining bauhinia)
• Bauhinia kockiana (Red Trailing Bauhinia)
• Bauhinia variegata (Orchid tree)
• Bauhinia yunnanensis (Chinese Orchid Tree)
• Phanera roxburghiana (Notched-Leaf Bauhinia)
• Bauhinia acuminata (Dwarf White Orchid Tree)
• Bauhinia aureifolia (Gold Leaf Bauhinia)
• Bauhinia blakeana (Hong Kong Orchid Tree)