Contents
Description
Bauhinia Divaricata, commonly known as butterfly tree, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia and China and is widely cultivated for its stunning flowers. The plant grows up to 6 meters in height and has a spread of 5 meters. It is a deciduous shrub with a spreading canopy and smooth gray bark. The leaves of the plant are unique and have a distinctive butterfly shape, which is why it is commonly referred to as the butterfly tree.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Bauhinia |
Appearance
The butterfly tree produces beautiful flowers that bloom in clusters from late spring to early summer. The flowers are large, pink, and have a distinctive butterfly shape. The plant has a spreading canopy and smooth gray bark. The leaves are unique and have a distinctive butterfly shape, which is why it is commonly referred to as the butterfly tree. The leaves are dark green and glossy, and they turn yellow in the fall before dropping off.
Care Guide
Bauhinia Divaricata is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to keep your butterfly tree healthy:
- Water: Water the plant regularly but do not overwater it. The plant prefers well-drained soil.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The butterfly tree prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The butterfly tree is relatively pest-free, but it can be susceptible to some diseases and pests. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect the plant:
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves. It can be treated with a fungicide.
- Scale Insects: These insects suck the sap from the plant and can cause stunted growth. They can be treated with insecticidal soap.
- Aphids: These insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause yellowing and distortion of the leaves. They can be treated with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
The butterfly tree is native to Southeast Asia and China and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the butterfly tree a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, the butterfly tree is a hardy plant that requires minimal care, making it a great choice for beginners.
Q: Is the butterfly tree a good plant for attracting butterflies?
A: Yes, the butterfly tree is commonly referred to as the butterfly tree because its flowers attract butterflies.
Q: Can the butterfly tree be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the butterfly tree can be grown in containers, but it will require regular pruning to keep its size under control.
Q: Does the butterfly tree produce fruit?
A: Yes, the butterfly tree produces seed pods that are up to 15 centimeters long.
Related Plants
- Bauhinia purpurea
- Bauhinia variegata
- Bauhinia acuminata
References
- “Bauhinia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b945
- “Bauhinia divaricata.” Plant Database. https://www.plantsrescue.com/tag/bauhinia-divaricata/
- “Bauhinia divaricata.” Dave’s Garden. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/174135/
