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Description
Bauhinia Blakeana, also known as the Hong Kong Orchid Tree, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is the official flower of Hong Kong and is widely cultivated for ornamental purposes. The plant is famous for its large, showy, and fragrant flowers that bloom in shades of pink and purple. The flowers have five petals that are arranged in a distinctive shape, resembling a butterfly. The plant typically grows up to 6 meters tall and has a spread of around 4 meters.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukaryota||—————|—————-|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Spermatophyta|| Class| Magnoliopsida|| Order| Fabales|| Family| Fabaceae|| Genus| Bauhinia|| Species| Blakeana|
Appearance
Bauhinia Blakeana has a distinctive appearance with its large, showy and fragrant flowers. The flowers are arranged in clusters and bloom in shades of pink and purple. The plant has a spreading habit, with a dense crown of leaves that are palmately lobed and arranged in pairs. The leaves are dark green and glossy, and the bark is smooth and grayish-brown. The plant typically grows up to 6 meters tall and has a spread of around 4 meters.
Care Guide
Bauhinia Blakeana is a low maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:- Water: Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out between watering.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients.- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Bauhinia Blakeana is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Bauhinia Blakeana is relatively disease and pest resistant. However, it can be affected by some common pests and diseases, including:- Mealybugs: These pests can cause leaf distortion and yellowing. Use insecticidal soap to control infestations.- Scale insects: These pests can cause leaf drop and stunted growth. Use horticultural oil to control infestations.- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots and defoliation. Remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide.
Habitat
Bauhinia Blakeana is native to southern China and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The plant prefers warm and humid climates and thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in nutrients. It is commonly grown in gardens, parks, and along roadsides as an ornamental plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Bauhinia Blakeana an evergreen plant?
A: Yes, Bauhinia Blakeana is an evergreen plant.Q: What is the best time to prune Bauhinia Blakeana?
A: The best time to prune Bauhinia Blakeana is in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.Q: How often should I fertilize my Bauhinia Blakeana plant?
A: You should fertilize your plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Q: Does Bauhinia Blakeana attract bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, Bauhinia Blakeana is a popular source of nectar and attracts bees and butterflies.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Bauhinia Blakeana:- Bauhinia Galpinii- Bauhinia Purpurea- Bauhinia Variegata- Bauhinia Yunnanensis
References
– “Bauhinia Blakeana.” Missouri Botanical Garden, missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c540.- “Bauhinia Blakeana.” PlantZAfrica, plantzafrica.com/plantab/ Bauhinia blakeana.- “Bauhinia Blakeana (Hong Kong Orchid Tree).” Plant Care Today, plantcaretoday.com/bauhinia-blakeana-hong-kong-orchid-tree.
