Bauhinia purpurea
Family: Caesalpinioideae / Caesalpiniaceae
Orchid Tree, Butterfly Tree
Origin: Australia and East Asia
Nice landscape tree, good shade tree for summer. Bauhinias were named in honor of the brothers Bauhin, Swiss botanists of the 16th-17th century. Their characteristic twin lobed leaves give them a definite tropical look. Sensitive to chlorosis, treat with iron chelate. Although not generally necessary, they can be pruned after flowering. Flowers are fragrant.
