Description
Bauhinia purpurea “Purple Orchid-Tree”
Purple orchid tree is fast-growing, will ultimately reach 25-35 feet in height with spread 10-20 feet, the slender trunks topped with arching branches clothed in large, two-lobed, deciduous leaves.
The young leaves and flowers of Bauhinia purpurea are edible.
Bauhinia purpurea “purple orchid-tree” is festooned with many showy and delightfully fragrant, five-inch-wide blossoms, the narrow purple, pink, and lavender petals arranged to closely resemble an orchid. These flowers appear on the trees from September through November and are a beautiful sight to see and also used in pickles and curries, creating a vivid splash of color in the autumn landscape.
The flowers are followed by 12-inch-long, slender, brown, flat seedpods which usually persist on the tree throughout the winter, then fall to create a mess to clean up.
The spectacular flower display makes orchid-tree a favorite for specimen plantings.
| Max Height |
23-33 feet (7-10m) |
| Spread |
10-20 feet (3-6m) |
| Origin |
Indian subcontinent and Myanmar |
| Family |
Fabaceae |
| Common Name |
Orchid Tree, Butterfly Tree, Mountain Ebony, Geranium Tree, Purple Bauhinia |
| Flower Color |
Pink |
| Drought Tolerance |
Medium |
| Salinity Tolerance |
Medium |
| Sun Tolerance |
High |
| Wind Tolerance |
Medium |
| Water Requirement |
Low |
| PH Level |
Basic |
| Pest Tolerance |
High |
| Disease Tolerance |
Medium |
| Growth Rate |
Fast |
| Fragrance |
No |
| Leaf Type |
Deciduous, two-lobed |
| Bloom Season |
September through November |
| Edible Parts |
Young leaves and flowers |
| Seed Pods |
Present, approximately 12 inches long, slender, brown, flat |
