Bauhinia petersiana

Native to sub-Saharan Africa, the Kalahari White Bauhinia, or Bauhinia petersiana is a beautiful shrub or small tree. It can grow 5-10 feet tall when in the shape of a shrub, or 10-20 feet when in the form of a small tree. It is a member of the Bauhinia genus which also includes several flowering trees.

The Kalahari White Bauhinia has large, showy crinkled white flowers with off-white petals. The blooms appear in flushes during the summer months and last until autumn. These flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.

This plant thrives best in the full sun, but it can handle some shade as well. It requires moderate amounts of water and can withstand periods of drought. It is hardy in USDA Zone 9-11.

In addition to its beauty, the Kalahari White Bauhinia has history. It is an ethnomedical plant, and its bark, leaves, and flowers have been used to aid digestion and treat skin conditions.

The Kalahari White Bauhinia is a beautiful and beneficial plant recognized by gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike. This plant can be grown in pots in cold regions, though they should be brought indoors when temperatures drop too low. To ensure good growth, it should be fertilized two times during its growing season and watered thoroughly in spring and summer months. Sun exposure should also be monitored in order to ensure that the Kalahari White Bauhinia receives enough light but not too much.

Similar plants:

• Bauhinia acuminata (Dwarf White Orchid Tree, White Bauhinia, Kaa-long, Snowy Orchid)
• Bauhinia aureifolia (Gold Leaf Bauhinia, Bai Mai Si Thong)
• Bauhinia bassacensis, Phanera bassacensis (Bauhinia)
• Bauhinia bidentata, Phanera bidentata (Orange Bauhinia, Orange Orchid Vine)
• Bauhinia blakeana (Hong Kong Orchid Tree)
• Bauhinia bowkeri (Kei White Bauhinia, Bowker's Bauhinia, Keibeesklou)
• Bauhinia corymbosa, Phanera corymbosa (Vining bauhinia, Climbing Bauhinia, Camel's foot)
• Bauhinia cunninghamii, Lysiphyllum cunninghamii (Jigal Tree, Kimberley Bauhinia)
• Bauhinia divaricata (Butterfly Orchid Tree)
• Bauhinia forficata, Bauhinia candicans (Pata de Vaca, Brazilian Orchid Tree)