This deciduous tree has a short gnarled trunk with corky to smooth bark and spreading branches that form an open rounded crown. It has grey-green bilobed leaves and the pink to white orchid-like flowers appear in a cluster during spring.

Hardiness zones 9 to 12

Bauhina variegata is naturally found from northern India to south-eastern China growing in well drained humus rich moist sandy soils in an open sunny position and is frost tender but moderately drought tolerant.

The Purple Orchid Tree is grown for its flowers and is planted in parks and gardens or used as a street tree. It is also planted in tropical gardens for shade and establishes in 3-5 years. It is long lived and is suitable for coastal or low mountain regions and is semi deciduous, briefly dropping its leaves dependent on cold weather or the absence of moisture. ID 144

Bauhina(bow-HIN-ee-a) variegata(vă-ree-a-GAH-ta)

Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee)