Family: Papilionaceae
Common Name: Butterfly Tree

Native to South America, South Africa, Asia and Australia, this genus comprises about 300 species of showy evergreen trees, shrubs and climbers. Bauhinias are grown for their unusual, beautiful flowers, often resembling a butterfly. They are popular in Hawaii and California. Their leaves are divided into two equal lobes which are said to represent the two brothers Bauhin after whom this genus is named.

Species

Not all are available outside their native countries.

B. x blakeana is known as the Hong Kong orchid tree and is the floral emblem of Hong Kong. This fine species has long sprays of large, reddish purple blooms which last for an extensive period. When young, this species is sensitive to frost. It grows to 2.5 m (8 ft).

B. carronii, Queensland ebony, is an Australian native, with white flowers, edged with purple, produced in summer. It grows 6-10 m (20-33 ft) and is able to tolerate hot, dry conditions.

B. corymbosa (Synonym: B. scandens) is a beautiful climber with masses of delicate pink flowers, 5 cm (2 in) across, in the spring and summer. It grows to 3 m (10 ft).

B. galpinii, from South Africa, is a spectacular, low-growing species good for hedges, with sweetly perfumed, salmon red flowers and round, pale green, veined leaves. It grows to 2.5 m (8 ft) and flowers all summer.

B. hookeri, an Australian native, grows to 12 m (40 ft), with large white flowers, edged in red. It is suitable for hot, wet coastal gardens.

B. variegata, also called the orchid tree, originates from India and China. It grows to 2.5 m (8 ft), spreading to the same width. The leathery, dull green leaves grow to 20 cm (8 in) long and the fragrant, orchid-like, rosy purple flowers are 4-5 cm (1½-2 in) across. They bloom throughout spring and summer, and even in autumn if there have been good summer rains. This species is semi-deciduous in colder areas. Var. alba grows 6-12 m (20-40 ft) tall and is the popular white-flowered form.

Cultivation

In very frosty areas, grow in an intermediate greenhouse, in pots of soil-based potting compost. Provide bright light but shade from strong sun. Outdoors, protect young plants from frost for the first two winters. Plants raised from seed show colour

variation from mauve to purple, sometimes to pure white. Seed from white forms usually comes true, and a white form can be identified by the paler green wood of the stems. The best forms are raised from semi-hardwood cuttings in autumn. Bauhinias prefer a light, fertile, well-drained soil and full sun.

Climate

Zone 9 and above.