Fabaceae - Botanical Family

Bauhinia sirindhorniae is a remarkable new hardy climber from less disturbed dry evergreen forest.

The dried roots and stems are used to cure boils and some skin problems.

Bauhinia is a large genus of flowering plants. Many species are widely planted in the tropics as orchid trees, particularly in India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Nepal and southeastern China.

Giant-leaved Bauhinia - this stunning woody vine has huge 8-12" velvety leaves, double as all bauhinias. Very rare species.

Small tree or large shrub with fine smooth foliage. Relatevely drought tolerant.

See article about bauhinias.

Not fussy about soil. Pale yellow flowers facing downward. Nice specimen tree for the small yard. The bell-shaped yellow flowers have a black marking in the throat and may turn pinkish with age. Leaves smell like burned rubber when rubbed. This vigorous shrub or small tree is suitable for a mixed border or rockery. Plant in well-drained soil. Protect young plants from frost. Prune to keep in shape. A food supplement - Kachnar - is made out of this plant as a gargle for sore throats, as a paste for skin diseases, or internally as a remedy for diarrhea.

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

Bauhinia variegata 'Alba', commonly known as White Orchid Tree, is a deciduous flowering tree in the Fabaceae family native to South and Southeast Asia. It typically grows 20 to 35 ft tall, forming a broad, spreading crown with distinctive bilobed leaves resembling a camel's hoof. This cultivar produces large, orchid-like flowers in pure white, often with a faint greenish or pale yellow throat, appearing in late winter to spring on bare or sparsely leafed branches.

This tree prefers full sun and well-drained soil, with moderate watering during establishment and good drought tolerance once mature. Growth rate is moderate. Cold tolerance is moderate, with damage likely below about 25 to 28F; best suited to USDA Zones 9 to 11. Bauhinia variegata 'Alba' is valued as an ornamental tree and can be grown in large containers while young. Learn more: Bauhinias: trees with Orchid Flowers and Butterfly Wings

Orchid tree grows 20-40' tall and 10-20' wide with a spreading crown of briefly deciduous leaves which are 4-6" across and rounded with lobed ends and heart shaped bases. The leaves are shaped a little like a cow's hoof. Some cultivars have leaves with white variegations. The flowers are reminiscent of showy orchids, with five irregular, usually slightly overlapping petals in shades of magenta, lavender or purplish blue. The flowers often make their first appearance in late winter while the tree is bare of leaves. The blooming period then lasts until early summer. The flowers are 3-5" across and carried in clusters at the branch tips. A member of the bean family, orchid tree produces flattened brown woody legumes (pods) up to 12" long. The cultivar 'Candida' has snow white flowers with greenish veins.

See Article about Bauhinia variegata.

See article about bauhinias.

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

Bauhinia winitii, an extensive woody climber endemic to Thailand, named in honour of the late Phya Winit Wanandorn, the forest botanist.

Bauhinia yunnanensis, also known as Chinese Orchid Tree, is a large shrub or vine, reaching heights of between 5-10 feet tall. Native to Southeast Asia, this stunning flowering plant is appreciated for its beautiful large blooms of pink, blue, lavender, white and off-white flowers, making it a perfect addition to any garden.

Having full sun or semi-shade exposure and requiring moderate water, Chinese Orchid Tree is the perfect option for outdoor cultivation in USDA Zone 9-11. The colorful, nectar-rich flowers also attract a variety of butterflies and hummingbirds, making them a great choice for anyone looking to attract more wildlife into their garden.

When it comes to growing this beautiful species in more northern climates, potting Bauhinia yunnanensis is a great option. Placing it in a sheltered but sunny spot in the garden and providing it with regular water will ensure the plant can thrive and reach its full potential. For added protection against the colder climate, covering the growing pot with a frost blanket or straw will help maintain heat and give your Chinese Orchid Tree the best chance to survive the winter.

With such a range of benefits, Bauhinia yunnanensis can be a fabulous addition to any garden. Whether you are hoping to create a stunning backdrop of blossom for your outdoor areas, or you want to attract wildlife, this Southwest Asian beauty offers the perfect solution.

Bolusanthus speciosus, also known as the Tree Wisteria, is a small tree native to South Africa that is known for its beautiful blue, lavender, and purple flowers. It grows best in full sun and requires moderate amounts of water. This plant is easy to care for and is an ideal choice for any garden.

The Tree Wisteria is a deciduous tree that is normally multi-stemmed, but can be pruned to form a single stem. The bark is rough and deeply fissured, while the leaves are spirally arranged and hang from drooping branches. The tree's drooping, fragrant flowers bloom from August to January, followed by papery, brown fruit pods that hang in clusters.

The wood of the Tree Wisteria is highly sought after by carpenters and is used to make furniture and other decorative items such as lampshades. The tree's straight, hard stems are termite resistant and are used for fencing posts. The roots are used medicinally, while the inner bark is used to treat abdominal cramps.

This tree is well-suited for small to medium-sized gardens and can be grown in a container. It can also be used as a street tree due to its non-invasive root system. To propagate, seeds should be soaked in hot water overnight before being sowed in a mixture of river sand, loam, and compost. The seeds will germinate quickly and can be transplanted after the second leaf has emerged.

While the Tree Wisteria can withstand frost and drought, it may need protection during the first few years of growth. Mature plants are cold hardy to at least the 30s F for short periods, but they need room to spread and accommodate their drooping branches. In colder regions, they should be grown in pots and brought indoors during the winter. With proper care, this tree fast and reaches a height of 10-20 feet in a short amount of time.

Bolusanthus honors Harry Bolus (1834-1911), who was a South African botanist and founder of the Cape Town Bolus Herbarium, speciosus means beautiful or showy in Latin.